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Nicklas Backstrom is unlikely to play again this season, Capitals GM Brian MacLellan says
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FILE - Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom during an opening night NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, in Washington. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan says it's unlikely Backstrom plays again this season. Backstrom stepped away from the NHL team last week amid his ongoing struggles with his surgically repaired left hip. - photo by AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said it’s unlikely Nicklas Backstrom plays again this season after the Swedish center stepped away from the team last week, citing the ongoing issues with his surgically repaired left hip. MacLellan stopped short of ruling Backstrom out for the remainder of the season or saying the franchise cornerstone had played his final NHL game. The soon-to-be 36-year-old is expected to go on long-term injured reserve in the near future.