Backstrom Optimistic About Hip & Future With Capitals, But MacLellan Not Entirely Sold Yet: 'How Much Better Does It Get?'

"He's going to have to make a decision on his career," MacLellan added.

ARLINGTON, V.A. -- Nicklas Backstrom admitted with a shy smile that he can't remember the last time he had a normal summer of training and rest. He'll get the chance to experience that this offseason after defying all odds to return from hip resurfacing surgery, and he believes that itself will work wonders.

The 34-year-old spent the last few years rehabilitating and working around his hip issues and made the decision to undergo hip resurfacing last June. The experimental procedure was a success for Backstrom, who was at the point where he could barely skate without pain, let alone bend over, pick up socks or function normally in daily life.

Now, he is pain-free and back to a normal lifestyle while also playing a top-6 role in the NHL. He returned to game action in January and got 39 games this season, collecting 21 points and becoming one of the first NHLers to come back from hip resurfacing.

"The progress has been better, I mean, better and better," Backstrom said. "Obviously, it's not ideal to come in midseason with a big surgery like that and you missed a lot and you're trying to catch up. It's not ideal, but I'm optimistic about next year. IHave a good summer, the first really good summer in a couple years, and be ready at training camp and be a part of that. That's what I'm looking forward to."

While Backstrom has a positive outlook when it comes to the future and where he goes from here, general manager Brian MacLellan isn't as sold. He's seen Backstrom struggle through his hip issues for years and has enjoyed watching him operate without pain and make a miraculous comeback. However, he is not sure if Backstrom will be able to get back to top form.

"That's a major surgery," MacLellan said. "I think it's frustrating in that I don't know how much better does it get? I haven't seen any other players do it, recover and get back to the level they thought they were at before. I don't know where that ends up with the offseason training. He's going to have to make a decision on his career where he thinks he's at."

MacLellan also said that he's seen some improvement, but the lack of success stories makes Backstrom's case more difficult to approach.

"I don't know what can happen in the offseason to make it significantly better," he added.

Backstrom has been able to contribute and put up points, but there is still work to do when it comes to skating, maintaining speed and adapting to the ever-changing pace of the modern game.

Still, he reiterated that a full summer of preparation allows him to approach things differently, and he said that getting more time to add strength to his left leg will also be a key difference-maker.

"I'm optimistic, obviously. I'll get more strength back in my leg and then go from there," Backstrom said, adding, "I'm feeling good, I'm feeling normal, so that's good. That's what we wanted, and here I am. So with a good summer and a couple months off, go from there and be ready for camp."

Right now, the plan is for MacLellan and Backstrom to meet before the summer and make decisions from there. As of right now, Backstrom will be at training camp in September.

"We'll discuss, 'How are you feeling physically? What do you think are the improvements?' We'll talk to our strength guys and make decisions based on that," MacLellan said.