The 36-year-old said his hip wasn't responding the way he wanted it to following resurfacing surgery in June 2022.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom announced on Wednesday that he will be stepping away from the game of hockey and will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team.

The choice was a difficult one for the 36-year-old to make but is one that has to do with his left hip not responding on the ice the way he wanted it to following hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022.

Backstrom let the Capitals know of his intentions on Monday, as he informed the athletic trainers, head coach Spencer Carbery and general manager Brian MacLellan that he wanted to step away from the team.

Washington had off on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, he addressed his teammates before practice of his decision.

Backstrom is not retiring at this time, and no decisions have been made with regard to his career. The plan is for him to take the time away from the ice and see how his hip responds to rest in that instance. He will still be around the team and participating in off-ice workouts and continuing to serve as a leader.

Washington will place Backstrom on the injured reserve, and, at some point, he will go on the long-term injured reserve.

The Swede is the Capitals' all-time assists leader (762) and has 1,033 points in 1,105 games played over 17 NHL seasons. He had one assist through eight games in 2023-24.

With Backstrom out, Connor McMichael will take on his role at center. Hendrix Lapierre is also up with the club with Nic Dowd still on the injured reserve.