The Capitals captain had nothing but good things to say about Backstrom.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has cemented his place in history as one of — if not the greatest — goal scorers of the modern era, but he couldn't have gotten to that point without a key player at his side: Nicklas Backstrom.

No player has assisted on more of Ovechkin's 840 goals than No. 19, who has contributed to 279 of Ovechkin's goals. And looking back, Ovechkin gives Backstrom a lot of credit and had nothing but praise as he reflected on what he misses most about sharing the ice with the Swede.

"He was one of the best guys out there who could find you," Ovechkin told reporters in Edmonton.

Backstrom has been away from the team indefinitely due to lingering issues related to his hip. He had dealt with chronic pain for years and had made the tough decision to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022, and though he came back for the second half of the 2022-23 season and started this year, he chose to leave the game with his hip not responding as he'd hoped following the procedure.

Ovechkin has managed 18 goals this season and has rediscovered his scoring touch in this second half, though he noted how much Backstrom's absence is felt, especially when it comes to zone entries and on-the-tape passes.

"It doesn't matter what position you are; he could begin (the play) so well," Ovechkin said, agreeing that he was an impressive passer, too. "He was strong with the puck, he was one of the best."

Backstrom has not made any decisions regarding his next steps or the possibility of retirement, but regardless, Ovechkin made it clear that he has an important place in franchise history and that his legacy carries on.