Capitals' Backstrom Undergoes Major Hip Surgery, Out Long-Term

The Washington Capitals will be without one of their all-time greats for the foreseeable future. 

The Washington Capitals announced that forward Nicklas Backstrom underwent left hip resurfacing surgery on Friday at the ANCA Clinic in Belgium and will "begin his rehabilitation and lengthy recovery process immediately". 

No timetable was given for Backstrom's expected timetable for return. Given his age and extensive injury history, however, it's likely that Backstrom will miss the majority of the coming season. 

Backstrom's 2021-22 campaign was cut short by injury as well, as the 34-year-old suited up in just 47 games for the Capitals during which he registered six goals and 25 assists for 31 points, and, in the process, recorded his milestone 1,000th career point for the only organization he's ever played for. As the season wore on, however, it soon became clear that Backstrom was playing through a serious ailment, one that likely led to the procedure he underwent yesterday. 

For a second straight season, the Capitals will need to plan for life without Backstrom for what could be a very long time.