Nicklas Backstrom unlikely to play again this season

The Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan revealed that his player Nicklas Backstrom will likely not feature again for the team this season.

Capitals GM Brian MacLellan says it's unlikely Nicklas Backstrom will play again this season. pic.twitter.com/SDzvg1qcQk

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 6, 2023

The veteran stepped away from the team last week in order to concentrate on healing his damaged hip. MacLellan shared that the injury is more serious than first thought and Backstrom is unlikely to return again.

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“It’s emotional for everybody. He’s been such a big part of the organization,” MacLellan said. “It’s a tough situation, and eventually everybody’s got to move on.”

Backstrom is the second-longest serving player in the Capitals behind captain Alex Ovechkin. His unbelievable stats of 762 assists makes him first-ranked in the NHL history.

Washington will now rely on 22-year-old Connor MacMichael, who will have to fill in the void, left by Backstrom.

“I don’t think I’m going to be the guy that’s going to be able to just replace Nicklas Backstrom,” McMichael added. “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.”