MAJOR | NHL star steps away from his team

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Cooper Godin
November 1, 2023 (8:13)

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The Washington Capitals haven't had the most excellent start to the 2023-24 season but have looked better of late, winning three straight games and will look to make it four in a row on Thursday night.

Coming into the season, there was a lot of attention on longtime Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom, returning for his 17th season in the National Hockey League.

But eight games into his 17th season, the Gavle, Sweden native, is deciding to step away from hockey for an indefinite period given his current injury situation.

"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 current health. I want to thank my teammates, the organization, and the fans for their unwavering support. I ask for privacy as I determine my next steps and viable options moving forward. Backstrom said.

Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan also commented on Backstrom's decision.

"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 regain 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." MacLellan said.

Backstrom, 35, underwent hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022, and it appears that he's still dealing with issues relating to that injury. The 2006 fourth-overall pick is arguably one of the greatest players in Washington Capitals franchise history,. In 1,105 games with them, he's put up 1,033 points (271 goals, 762 assists) and helped them to their only Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

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