Last Updated: November 07, 2023, 01:00 IST
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Washington Capitals common supervisor Brian MacLellan stated it’s unlikely Nicklas Backstrom performs once more this season after the Swedish heart stepped away from the group final week, citing the continued points together with his surgically repaired left hip.
ARLINGTON, Va.: Washington Capitals common supervisor Brian MacLellan stated it’s unlikely Nicklas Backstrom performs once more this season after the Swedish heart stepped away from the group final week, citing the continued points together with his surgically repaired left hip.
MacLellan stopped wanting ruling Backstrom out for the rest of the season or saying the franchise cornerstone had performed his remaining NHL recreation. The quickly-to-be 36-12 months-outdated is anticipated to go on lengthy-time period injured reserve within the close to future.
“It’s emotional for everybody. He’s been such a big part of the organization,” MacLellan stated Monday. “It’s a tough situation, and eventually everybody’s got to move on.”
Backstrom is the Capitals’ second-longest-tenured participant behind captain Alex Ovechkin, and his 762 profession assists within the common season are probably the most in franchise historical past. After arthroscopic surgical procedure on the hip in 2015, he had the extra invasive operation in the summertime of 2022 and insisted firstly of coaching camp he was absolutely wholesome and able to play.
He had only one level in eight video games this season, was taken off the highest energy-play unit and had his ice time drastically lowered. It appeared in apply like he was a candidate to be a wholesome scratch earlier than the choice was made to take a go away 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 stated. “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Washington is relying on 22-12 months-outdated Connor McMichael to shift to heart in Backstrom’s absence and for others to step up.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 stated. “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 stated Backstrom helped make him really feel snug since being traded from Toronto in late February, and he brings as a lot within the locker room as on the ice.
“It’s a hole that is tough to fill,” Sandin stated. “But he’s got to do what he’s got to do, and we completely understand that.”
MacLellan stated the event with Backstrom has not modified his plan: The Capitals because the offseason have been searching for a younger ahead to play of their prime six.
Beyond McMichael, reinforcements could quickly be coming from throughout the group. Injured heart Nic Dowd and defenseman Joel Edmundson might resume practising by the top of the week, and veteran winger Max Pacioretty has began skating on his personal in an try to return again from re-tearing his proper Achilles tendon.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
