Current:Home > MyWashington Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom taking leave to evaluate his health-LoTradeCoin
Washington Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom taking leave to evaluate his health
View Date:2024-12-24 09:57:13
Washington Capitals star Nicklas Backstrom, who has had limited production this season after 2022 hip surgery, announced Wednesday that he is going to take a leave of absence to determine his future.
"This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time," he said in a statement. "I want to thank my teammates, the organization, and 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.”
Backstrom, who turns 36 this month, had hip resurfacing surgery during the 2022 offseason and was out until January 2023, finishing with 21 points in 39 games.
He said during training camp this season he was back to 100 percent and was done talking about the surgery.
But he has one point (an assist) in eight games this season and is averaging 14 minutes, 34 seconds a game. He has averaged a little more than 12 minutes the last three games.
When healthy, Backstrom was among the top players in Capitals history. The playmaking center leads the team in all-time assists (762) and is second in points (1,033) behind Alex Ovechkin. He had 23 points in 20 games in the 2018 playoffs as the Capitals won their lone Stanley Cup title.
Backstrom is under contract this season and next at a $9.2 million cap hit.
"We stand behind Nicklas and will support him throughout this process," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement. "We know firsthand how hard he has worked and how determined he is to get back to 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."
veryGood! (57591)
Related
- NBC's hospital sitcom 'St. Denis Medical' might heal you with laughter: Review
- Texas Environmentalists Look to EPA for Action on Methane, Saying State Agencies Have ‘Failed Us’
- Finally, Some Good Climate News: The Biggest Wins in Clean Energy in 2022
- Texas Project Will Use Wind to Make Fuel Out of Water
- Younghoo Koo takes blame for Falcons loss to Saints: 'This game is fully on me'
- Cause of Death Revealed for Bob Marley's Grandson Jo Mersa Marley
- Wildfires in Greece prompt massive evacuations, leaving tourists in limbo
- Why the Feared Wave of Solar Panel Waste May Be Smaller and Arrive Later Than We Expected
- Congress is revisiting UFOs: Here's what's happened since last hearing on extraterrestrials
- Why can't Canada just put the fires out? Here are 5 answers to key questions
Ranking
- Waymo’s robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los Angeles
- Why the Feared Wave of Solar Panel Waste May Be Smaller and Arrive Later Than We Expected
- Lift Your Face in Just 5 Minutes and Save $80 on the NuFace Toning Device on Prime Day 2023
- Cause of Death Revealed for Bob Marley's Grandson Jo Mersa Marley
- Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
- What Is Pedro Pascal's Hottest TV Role? Let's Review
- Las Vegas could break heat record as millions across the U.S. endure scorching temps
- Maryland, Virginia Race to Save Dwindling Commercial Fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay
Recommendation
-
Fantasy football Week 11: Trade value chart and rest of season rankings
-
Exxon Accurately Predicted Global Warming, Years Before Casting Doubt on Climate Science
-
The White House and big tech companies release commitments on managing AI
-
This cellular atlas could lead to breakthroughs for endometriosis patients
-
Michael Grimm, former House member convicted of tax fraud, is paralyzed in fall from horse
-
Turn Your House Into a Smart Home With These 19 Prime Day 2023 Deals: Ring Doorbell, Fire TV Stick & More
-
NOAA Climate Scientists Cruise Washington and Baltimore for Hotspots—of Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollutants
-
Rooftop Solar Is Becoming More Accessible to People with Lower Incomes, But Not Fast Enough