The Capitals center has been on an indefinite leave from hockey with his hip not responding as he'd hoped following surgery in June 2022.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Nicklas Backstrom may have stepped away from the game of hockey for the time being, but he's still an integral part of the Washington Capitals. That was evident as there was a gap for him as the team took its team photo on Thursday.

Backstrom was not present for the photo, but he will presumably be put into the empty spot next to captain Alex Ovechkin, which was left empty.

Backstrom announced in November that he made the difficult decision to step away with his hip not responding as he'd hoped following hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022. He had played in the second half of the 2022-23 season and played in eight games with the Capitals to open the season before taking leave.

The Swede has been on the long-term injured reserve and does not appear likely to play again this season, though no decisions have been made with regard to retirement or next steps.

Over the course of the season, the team has acknowledged how much Backstrom's presence on the ice and during games is missed.

"He was one of the best guys out there who could find you," Ovechkin told reporters in Edmonton last week. "It doesn't matter what position you are; he could begin (the play) so well. He was strong with the puck, he was one of the best."

"It shows his character, how much he stuck to it. He gave it every single chance that he has," John Carlson said in November, adding, "[He means] everything. Yin and yang. He's been a pillar since pretty much his 15th game here. It's incredible what he's been able to accomplish. What he means to me and my career on the ice, the lessons that I've learned watching him, talking to him, picking his brain, it's a lot of moments spent together.

"A lot of road trips, a lot of plane times, a lot of games, a lot of everything. It's a long time we've been together, especially that's kind of why it feels weird to me. That's because I've never been here without him."

The 35-year-old has skated on his own in a tracksuit and has been around the facility and team during his time away, while also traveling with the club. However, he has not been on the ice with the group.