Nicklas Backstrom stepping away from Capitals due to health concerns

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is stepping away from the team for the foreseeable future to address his ongoing hip issue.

Backstrom underwent hip resurfacing surgery during the offseason following the 2021-22 season. He returned in January of last season, appearing in 39 games, but his pace of play was evidently slow.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan expressed concerns about Backstrom’s health entering this season.

However, Backstrom eyed a return to his premier play. Yet, he remained a shell of himself, registering one assist in eight games.

Backstrom spoke to MacLellan, head coach Spencer Carbery, and team trainingers on Monday to express his desire to step away, according to Monumental Sports Net’s Tarik El-Bashir. Backstrom then addressed teammates before practice on Wednesday.

“Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game,” Backstrom said in a statement released by the Capitals. “This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time. I want to thank my teammates, the organization, and fans for their unwavering support throughout this process. I ask for privacy at this time as I determine my next steps and viable options moving forward.”

The Capitals reiterated that the 36-year-old Backstrom is not retiring. Backstrom has two years remaining on his contract, holding a $9.2 million cap hit for each year.

For 15 years before his hip injury, Backstrom was viewed as one of the best centers in the NHL. He is the Capitals’ all-time leader with 762 assists. He is second behind his running mate, Alex Ovechkin, with 1,033 points.

“We stand behind Nicklas and will support him throughout this process,” Brian MacLellan said. “We know firsthand how hard he has worked and how determined he is to get back to full health. Our organization stands fully behind him while he takes his leave of absence from the team and takes time to evaluate his current health situation.”

The Capitals will place Nicklas Backstrom on injured reserve Wednesday. Given how long he needs to step aside, there is anticipation he will go to long-term injured reserve soon.