ARLINGTON, Va. - Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has announced that he will be stepping away from hockey to focus on his ongoing injury situation with his left hip. The 35-year-old player, who underwent resurfacing surgery on his hip in June 2022, has expressed uncertainty about his playing future.

In a statement released by the Capitals, Backstrom stated, "This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time. I want to thank my teammates, the organization, and fans for their unwavering support throughout this process. I ask for privacy as I determine my next steps and viable options moving forward."

Backstrom, who recorded one assist in eight games this season, underwent surgery in Belgium at the ANCA Clinic. Despite returning last season with impressive numbers of 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 39 games, he informed general manager Brian MacLellan, coach Spencer Carbery, and the Capitals' training staff that his hip was not responding as he had hoped.

The veteran center addressed his teammates in the locker room prior to practice on Wednesday to share the news of his decision to step away from playing. His announcement had an emotional impact on the entire team, with captain Alex Ovechkin saying, "To be honest with you, I was in shock when I heard it today. He's my friend, he's my teammate, and to see how emotional he is, you know it's a tough situation."

Backstrom will be placed on injured reserve and is expected to eventually be moved to long-term injured reserve. The duration of his absence from the game remains uncertain, casting doubt on the remainder of his career. Notably, he has two seasons remaining on his five-year, $46 million contract that he signed on January 14, 2020.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan expressed the organization's full support for Backstrom, stating, "We stand behind Nicklas and will support him throughout this process. 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."

Backstrom's ongoing hip issues have plagued him, with previous arthroscopic surgery in 2015. Despite missing the first 28 games of the 2021-22 season to rehabilitate his hip, he made a strong comeback with 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 47 regular-season games and six points (two goals, four assists) in six Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Capitals.

While defenseman Ed Jovanovski holds the record for returning to the NHL after hip resurfacing surgery, Backstrom's persistent pain led him to consider this surgical option as a last resort to prolong his career and improve his quality of life off the ice.

Selected fourth overall in the 2006 NHL Draft, Backstrom holds an impressive record, ranking second in Capitals history with 1,033 points (271 goals, 762 assists) in 1,105 regular-season games. He is the team's all-time assists leader and ranks among the top players in multiple categories such as games played, power-play points, overtime goals, goals, power-play goals, and game-winning goals. Backstrom's contributions were instrumental in the Capitals' Stanley Cup victory in 2018.

While it is uncertain how long Backstrom's absence will last, his decision leaves a significant void within the team. Coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged this, saying, "Huge void. He's one of the greatest Capitals of all time and, hopefully, that will continue. For right now, he's stepping away, trying to get physically back to where he needs to be."

The Washington Capitals and their fans will undoubtedly miss Backstrom's presence on the ice and await news of his progress and potential return to the game.