Capitals C Nicklas Backstrom steps away due to injury

Nicklas Backstrom announced Wednesday he is stepping away from the Washington Capitals due to an injury.

The 35-year-old center and alternate captain has played in all eight games this season, recording one assist.

Backstrom underwent hip resurfacing surgery in June after playing in a career-low 39 games in 2022-23.

"Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game," he said in a news release. "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."

Backstrom has played his entire 17-year career with the Capitals and is the franchise's all-time leader in assists (762). He has 271 goals and 1,033 points in 1,105 games since being drafted fourth overall in 2006.

"We stand behind Nicklas and will support him throughout this process," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said. "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 is one of two players in Washington history with 1,000 games and 1,000 points, along with longtime teammate Alex Ovechkin. He helped the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018.