Washington Capitals Reveal Superstar is Done For The Season

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Hunter Bowman
November 6, 2023 (2:22 PM)

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Last week, the hockey world was taken aback by the news of Nicklas Backstrom, the long-serving forward for the Washington Capitals, stepping away from the game to prioritize his health. Now, Capitals' general manager Brian MacLellan has delivered a sobering update.

During a press conference on Monday, MacLellan revealed that it's "unlikely" Backstrom will return to play this season, leaving fans and the organization grappling with the emotional impact of this decision.

Backstrom had previously released a statement addressing his health and choice to step back. In his statement, he shared,

"Given my ongoing injury situation, 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. I want to thank my teammates, the organization, and the 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 35-year-old veteran has faced challenges with hip injuries, limiting his play to just 86 games between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Despite returning to training camp in September following hip resurfacing surgery, Backstrom's performance this season was a struggle, with only one goal in eight games.