(Caps Outsider)
With only one assist in eight games this season, it seemed obvious that 35-year-old Caps center Nicklas Backstrom wasn’t at 100 percent this season. While he wasn’t the only player struggling with a slow start, his well-documented injuries as of late made it seem more likely that there was indeed something wrong.
“Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game,” Backstrom said. “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 at this time as I determine my next steps and viable options moving forward.”
With the rest of this season, plus next season still left on his contract, at $9,200,000 a season, it’s safe to say that Backstrom’s Caps career is essentially over. Even if he does improve, and returns to the team, the Caps can’t expect very much production out of him.
Backstrom has nothing left to prove. He is the Caps all-time leader in assists, he helped Alex Ovechkin set countless goal records, and he led the team to a Stanley Cup. The Capitals will almost certainly raise his number to the rafters and he’ll be loved here for decades to come, long after he officially announces his retirement.
