Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is unlikely to return to action this season, according to general manager Brian MacLellan. Backstrom announced he is taking a leave from the team to address ongoing health issues last week. The veteran pivot underwent hip resurfacing surgery in June of 2022 and returned to skate in just 39 games last season, tallying seven goals and 21 points with a minus-25 rating in that time. The Sweden native has recorded just one assist and 12 shots on goal through eight games so far this season. It appears Backstrom's career could be in jeopardy as the 35-year-old has plenty of wear and tear already on his body after skating in 1,105 career regular-season games and an additional 139 postseason contests.
Nicklas Backstrom Stepping Away From Hockey For Time Being
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom will take a step back from hockey and focus on his health amidst ongoing injury concerns, according to a statement released by Backstrom and the Capitals. The 35-year-old has been one of the best passers in the game when healthy, but unfortunately he hasn't been able to stay on the ice for several years. If this is the end for Alex Ovechkin's longtime centerman, it spells the end of a terrific career. Backstrom has 1033 points in 1105 NHL games, ranking him sixth among active NHLers. With Backstrom taking some time off, Dylan Strome should remain in his role as top-line and first powerplay center, where he should provide decent points with Ovechkin beside him.
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom wants to leave his hip issues behind him and says he's fully healthy ahead of the new campaign. "I've got nothing more to say about it," Backstrom said. "I'm 100 percent. I've done everything I can this summer. I worked really hard and really excited to be here for the training camp. Love this team, love this city, love the fans. There's nothing I'm more excited about than going back and playing hockey." Backstrom was reportedly able to normally train during the offseason for the first time in three years. The Swedish centerman has looked like a shadow of his former self in the past couple of seasons, but he appears to be ready to produce a nice comeback campaign in 2023-24.
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom potted his first goal of the season in Sunday's clash with Toronto, opening the scoring on the power play late in the first period. It was a good start to the game for Backstrom and the Capitals, but it ended in disappointment, as the Maple Leafs eventually rolled to a 5-1 victory. Backstrom finished the contest with a minus-two rating and registered two shots and two hits in 14:11 of ice time. The veteran centerman was playing in only his ninth game of the season since recovering from hip surgery. His minutes have been pretty limited on the third line, but Backstrom has been killing it with the man advantage throughout his career and showed his class again Sunday. He has tallied five points in total this season.
Nicklas Backstrom Believes He Can Play This Season
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (hip) is feeling optimistic that he can return to the ice for the 2022-23 NHL season. The Swedish veteran had resurfacing surgery on his left hip in the summer after featuring in just 53 total games during the 2021-22 campaign. "I'm going to start off by saying I'm pain-free," said Backstrom on Thursday. "No more pain that I had before. I'm feeling good. I'm in the gym working out, doing my rehab. So far, so good. I'm very optimistic that I'm going to play before the season ends." Backstrom played two seasons through hip pain and still managed to compile 84 points in 102 regular season games. A healthy Backstrom will be a great asset for the Capitals and fantasy managers alike, although it remains to be seen when exactly he'll be able to make his return.
Nicklas Backstrom Unavailable Because Of COVID-19 Protocols
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom, who has just made his season debut, will be forced to watch things from the sidelines again on Friday after he entered COVID-19 protocols. He had a good comeback game on Wednesday against Chicago, finishing a 5-4 overtime loss with an assist and five shots. Evgeny Kuznetsov is also on the COVID-19 list and that lifted Lars Eller to the top line on Wednesday. Another change is now coming up in the top six with Backstrom out. Younger guys like Connor McMichael have to be ready to step up.
Nicklas Backstrom Placed On Long-Term Injured Reserve
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (hip) was added to the long-term Injured Reserve on Tuesday. The Swedish veteran missed the preseason and still isn't ready to go. Tuesday's move means that he will miss at least the first 10 games of the season. Backstrom was close to averaging a point per game in 55 outings last season, so he's still going strong despite turning 34 in November. Alex Ovechkin's status for the start of the season has also been up in the air due to a lower-body injury, but he was at Tuesday's optional morning skate, which is a great sign ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the Rangers.
Nicklas Backstrom's Return From Hip Injury Still Unknown
Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom's (hip) status in returning to the team's lineup is still up in the air. He is suffering from a hip injury, and surgery has not been mentioned as an option as of Tuesday. The veteran center tallied 15 goals and added 38 assists in 2021. Through 58 games last season, the Gavle, Sweden, native averaged 18:36 of total ice time per contest. Having Backstrom out for a lengthy period could hurt the Capitals offensively. Nevertheless, if healthy, Backstrom is undoubtedly a player that should be considered in fantasy leagues, as he is an incredibly gifted playmaker.
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has not yet resumed skating as he continues to rehab an injured hip. The 33-year-old, who was previously listed as week-to-week, has not participated in training camp and still does not have a timetable to return to the ice. Backstrom is coming off an excellent season in 2020-2021 in which he posted 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists), 22 power-play points and 91 shots in 55 games played. The 14-year NHL veteran has been slipping down fantasy draft boards due to his current injury (90.6 ADP in Yahoo) but could still provide great value at that position should he return to action in the near future.
Nicklas Backstrom To Miss Start Of Camp For Capitals
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (hip) will not take the ice for his team as training camp opens on Thursday. The 33-year-old has been listed as "week-to-week" while rehabilitating from a hip issue that bothered him last season. The injury news is tough to hear, as Backstrom was arguably the Caps' most effective player last season, registering 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists), 22 power-play points and 91 shots in 55 contests. Lars Eller will likely now center the team's second line to start, but expect Evgeny Kuznetsov to play an even bigger role at even strength and on the man advantage while Backstrom is out.
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom delivered three assists as the team clinched a playoff spot with a 5-4 overtime loss against the Penguins on Thursday. The Swedish veteran helped T.J. Oshie to a power-play goal early on, had the lone helper on a Dmitry Orlov marker, and then combined with Evgeny Kuznetsov to set up Tom Wilson for a game-tying goal with just 15 ticks left in regulation. Backstrom reached 37 assists for the season, and he's on 51 points through 50 appearances with 83 shots. 21 of his points -- five goals, 16 assists -- have come on the power play.
Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom extended his point streak to five straight games as his team defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 on Thursday night. Backstrom scored in the first period making it 1-0 for Washington. The Swedish centerman is having an excellent season thus far with eight goals and 12 helpers in just 15 Capitals contests. Backstrom centers the team's second line. Washington plays again on Thursday at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers.
