Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom has announced that he will be stepping away from the team amid ongoing issues related to his hip.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom has announced that he will be stepping away from the team effective immediately.

It is uncertain whether or not he will return to the team.

The 35-year-old, who underwent hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022, said that ongoing issues with his injuries are what encouraged him to step away.

"Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game. This is a difficult decision, but one that I feel is right for my health at this time," Backstrom said in a statement. "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 is the Capitals' all-time assists leader, picking up 762 assists and totalling 1,033 points in 1,105 career games. He has played in all eight games this season, picking up one assist.

"We stand behind Nicklas and will support him throughout this process. We know firsthand how hard he has worked and how determined he is to get back to full health," general manager Brian MacLellan added in the team's statement. "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."

The Swede had been dealing with chronic hip pain since undergoing a procedure in 2015. After trying to rehabilitate and avoid surgery, Backstrom elected to have resurfacing done last summer. He was away for eight months and silenced critics when he made his return from the experimental procedure, though his speed did appear to take a hit.

At the start of the 2023-24 season, Backstrom said that he was feeling 100 percent and no longer wanted to discuss his hip. However, it appears the issues have continued to plague him.

Connor McMichael had been taking shifts at center on Monday, and will likely draw in where Backstrom was now. Hendrix Lapierre remains up with the team with Backstrom out and Nic Dowd still on the injured reserve.