With a healthy offseason, Backstrom ‘optimistic’ for 2023-24 originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Just over 10 months ago, Capitals longtime center Nicklas Backstrom underwent hip-resurfacing surgery — a procedure that, for almost every athlete that underwent that specific surgery before him, marked the beginning of the end.
However, Backstrom returned to the ice for Washington on Jan. 8, just over six and a half months post-operation, a remarkable recovery time for the 35-year-old. He appeared in 39 of the Capitals’ final 40 games, registering seven goals and 21 assists (28 points).
Although the Capitals’ 2022-23 season ended earlier than Backstrom and his teammates hoped, the center admitted during locker room cleanout he’s looking forward to having a “normal” summer that doesn’t involve rehabbing a major injury.
“It gets old pretty quick,” Backstrom said. “So, I’m excited to just do normal stuff in the gym other than rehab exercises.”
Backstrom admitted he didn’t remember the last time he had a “normal offseason,” later joking “[t]hat’s not a good sign.” He believes having a full summer will allow him to gain even more strength in his previously-injured leg, one he said before the surgery would likely never return to 100%.
Backstrom also stressed the challenges that came with his returning to the Capitals’ lineup midseason, rather than having a full training camp and preseason slate to truly get ready. By having a healthy offseason and a full camp, Backstrom believes he’ll be able to perform at a higher level next year than he did this past season.
“Obviously, it’s not ideal to come in midseason with a big surgery like that,” he said. “You miss a lot and you’re trying to catch up. It’s not ideal. But, I’m optimistic about next year, [to] have a good summer, the first really good summer in a couple of years, and be ready at training camp and be a part of that. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Backstrom felt he made substantial progress from his first game on Jan. 8 to his final contest this season on April 13. He’s gearing up to be one of the first NHL players to return for a second season following hip resurfacing surgery, something he’s specifically excited about.
“It’s nice to be one of the first ones,” Backstrom said. “I’m feeling good. I’m feeling normal, so that’s good. That’s what we wanted and here I am. So with a good summer and a couple of months off, [I’ll] go from there and be ready for camp.”
Backstrom’s return to ice has also inspired his teammate Carl Hagelin, who underwent hip-resurfacing surgery this past February. Hagelin hopes to play in the NHL again and believes Backstrom’s recovery has helped paved the way for that to happen.
Although Backstrom is plenty optimistic about his recovery and NHL future, Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan toned down expectations for the 35-year-old next season.
“That’s a major surgery,” MacLellan said. “I think it’s frustrating in that I don’t know that it gets — how much better does it get? I haven’t seen any other players do it, recover and get back to the level they thought they were at before. I don’t know where that ends up with the offseason training. He’s going to have to make a decision on his career where he thinks he’s at.”
MacLellan did say he saw a marginal improvement from Backstrom throughout the season. Yet, the Capitals GM wonders how much better Backstrom’s hip can truly get. The two plan to meet this offseason to discuss his current health and future steps.
Backstrom, who’s under contract for two more seasons after signing a five-year extension in January 2020, has every intention to play in 2023-24 and beyond.
“I’m optimistic, obviously,” Backstrom said. “I’ll get some more strength back in the leg and then go from there.”
