RWJC Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 Nicklas Backstrom is unlikely to play again this season, Capitals GM Brian MacLellan says Canadian Press Mon, November 6, 2023 at 11:03 AM PST ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said it’s unlikely Nicklas Backstrom plays again this season after the Swedish center stepped away from the team last week, citing the ongoing issues with his surgically repaired left hip. MacLellan stopped short of ruling Backstrom out for the remainder of the season or saying the franchise cornerstone had played his final NHL game. The soon-to-be 36-year-old is expected to go on long-term injured reserve in the near future. “It’s emotional for everybody. He’s been such a big part of the organization,” MacLellan said Monday. "It’s a tough situation, and eventually everybody’s got to move on.” Backstrom is the Capitals' second-longest-tenured player behind captain Alex Ovechkin, and his 762 career assists in the regular season are the most in franchise history. After arthroscopic surgery on the hip in 2015, he had the more invasive operation in the summer of 2022 and insisted at the start of training camp he was fully healthy and ready to play. He had just one point in eight games this season, was taken off the top power-play unit and had his ice time drastically reduced. It looked in practice like he was a candidate to be a healthy scratch before the decision was made to take a leave of absence. “You watch his progression here over the last two-plus years: playing hurt, numerous recovery attempts to get it better, then the hip resurfacing,” MacLellan said. “It’s been a long process that has been hard on him mentally and emotionally. It’s been hard to see him go through all that stuff.” Washington is counting on 22-year-old Connor McMichael to shift to center in Backstrom's absence and for others to step up. “I don’t think I’m going to be the guy that’s going to be able to just replace Nicklas Backstrom," McMichael said. “I think it’s calling out the whole team that everybody needs to step up and bring a little extra, and hopefully that can fill that void.” Fellow Swede Rasmus Sandin said Backstrom helped make him feel comfortable since being traded from Toronto in late February, and he brings as much in the locker room as on the ice. “It’s a hole that is tough to fill," Sandin said. “But he’s got to do what he’s got to do, and we completely understand that.” MacLellan said the development with Backstrom has not changed his plan: The Capitals since the offseason have been looking for a young forward to play in their top six… link to rest of article: https://ca.yahoo.com/sports/news/nicklas-backstrom-unlikely-play-again-190334351.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coconuts Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 (edited) Gotta think it's probably medical retirement for him, one more season remaining on his contract. Shame, Backstrom has been a premier player for years, one of the best at dishing the puck. Edited November 6, 2023 by Coconuts 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RakuRaku Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 Then let's hurry and offer them Garland, Beau & Myers!!! we'll take Van Riemsdyk and Mantha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 At his age, it's likely just off to Robidas Island. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higgyfan Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 11 minutes ago, -AJ- said: At his age, it's likely just off to Robidas Island. Too bad about Backstrom. He was an awesome player in his day. The Caps will put him on LTIR and free up $9.2m in cap space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Long Posted November 6, 2023 Share Posted November 6, 2023 I can't imagine its possible to come back from hip resurfacing for any meaningful time. Good on him for trying tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curmudgeon Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 Ed Jovanovski had hip resurfacing and his comeback lasted 37 games. Backstrom's has lasted 39. What do you think the over/under would be on Patrick Kane's comeback from the same surgery? I sure wouldn't be in a hurry to sign him. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wai_lai416 Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 6 minutes ago, Curmudgeon said: Ed Jovanovski had hip resurfacing and his comeback lasted 37 games. Backstrom's has lasted 39. What do you think the over/under would be on Patrick Kane's comeback from the same surgery? I sure wouldn't be in a hurry to sign him. Why not if a team have cap space why wouldn’t they. Worse is he ends up on ltir and insurance pays it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BabychStache Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 13 hours ago, wai_lai416 said: Why not if a team have cap space why wouldn’t they. Worse is he ends up on ltir and insurance pays it out I doubt insurance will be available for that contract. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warhippy Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 Without a quality line mate Ovi is now looking like having a serious outside shot at beating Gretzky and may have to play 4-5 more seasons to accomplish it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coconuts Posted November 7, 2023 Share Posted November 7, 2023 1 hour ago, Warhippy said: Without a quality line mate Ovi is now looking like having a serious outside shot at beating Gretzky and may have to play 4-5 more seasons to accomplish it This is why I could see the Caps being in on Lindholm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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