NHL Rumors: Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom Pondering Future

Washington Capitals veteran Nicklas Backstrom isn't happy with the results this season. He also isn't shying away from the fact his hip is not 100% and could provide him with some serious decisions to make this offseason. Play through it and accept the fact he won't be at his best all the time, find some more treatment, or retire from professional hockey and put his health first.

Nicklas Backstrom on his nagging left hip injury: “we’ll see what’s going to happen. We have some decisions to make.” pic.twitter.com/e0V6md527p
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 15, 2022

It was wild watching teammate Alex Ovechkin admit his team was in a 'f**ked up' situation and a big part of that is believed to be Backstrom's health. Backstrom didn't start his season until Dec. 15 and the hip bothered him the entire regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. The veteran center finished with 31 points in 47 games, not bad for someone basically playing on one leg.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan had these interesting comments on Backstrom's injury:

I think he's going to explore all options here. He wants it to be better. He wants to be more physically comfortable when he plays, so he's going to explore it.

Backstrom has been a huge part of the Caps since 2007, a rookie season where he recorded 69 points and burst onto the scene. Washington knows their team isn't the same with the Swedish center so let's hope Backstrom's able to get everything sorted out and get back to playing hockey pain free.

Full Alex Ovechkin quote: “I think you see how we played against the best team in the regular season. We have it, but we just blow it away. It is on us. It is on me, on Backy, on Osh, on Carly. It is on everybody. Kinda fucked up situation.”
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) May 14, 2022