Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is taking a leave of absence from the team because of what he called an “ongoing injury situation” after a slow start to the season on his artificial left hip. He said Wednesday that he needs to “determine my next steps and viable options moving forward.
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom passes the puck around San Jose Sharks center William Eklund in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Washington. is taking a leave of absence from the team because of what he called an “ongoing injury situation” after a slow start to the season on his artificial left hip.
“I decided to take some time and step away from the game. This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time,” Backstrom said in a statement released Wednesday by the Capitals.Backstrom, Washington’s career leader in assists, had hip resurfacing surgery in the summer of 2022 to address a chronic injury that had bothered him for years.
“We stand behind Nicklas and will support him throughout this process. We know firsthand how hard he has worked and how determined he is to get back to full health,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said. “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.”
Backstrom has 271 goals and 762 assists in 1,105 NHL games, all with Washington, which drafted him in the first round in 2006. He and Alex Ovechkin became one of the top forward duos in the league and helped the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Capitals bring win streak into matchup with the IslandersThe Washington Capitals play the New York Islanders with a three winning streak on the line.
Read more »
Dylan Strome, the Capitals’ Cy Young candidate, is a perfect 6-0With six goals and zero assists, center Dylan Strome has an early-season stat line like a star pitcher’s. The Capitals appreciate how he got there.
Read more »
‘It’s ferry Tetris’: Washington ferry issues leave passengers stranded overnightRight now only 14 of the state’s 21 ferries are up and running.
Read more »
Hearst Foundations award three grants to Washington groupsThe Hearst Foundations has awarded three Washington groups with grants. Grants went to Seattle Opera, Seattle Theatre Group and Virginia Mason Medical Center
Read more »
Gas prices in Washington drop, national average lowest since MarchThe national average has plunged 38 cents over the last month, while Washington's average has dropped 45 cents.
Read more »