Nicklas Backstrom Shuts Down False Reports Regarding Injury & Leave From Capitals; What Plan Is For Him At This Time

The Capitals center said there is no truth to reports that he is not really injured.

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has been away from the team indefinitely but is standing by his decision as he slammed false reports that recently came out regarding his absence from the Capitals.

Backstrom took the time to clear the air and shut down false reports from Radiosporten Hockey, a show on Sverige Radio, which claimed that, according to sources, Backstrom was not really injured but was instead not playing due to a "big schism" with head coach Spencer Carbery.

"That's not true," Backstrom told Swedish publication Aftonbladet. "There's no truth in that."

The 36-year-old appeared in eight games this season, picking up one assist, before choosing to take an indefinite leave of absence with his hip not responding as he'd hoped following hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022.

"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 in November. "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."

He had returned for the second half of 2022-23 and had hoped that a full offseason of training would help, but ultimately, he couldn't return to the speed or level he was once at.

Backstrom has one more year left on his contract at a cap hit of $9.2 million, and the plan is for him to remain on long-term injured reserve for that final year, according to general manager Brian MacLellan.

The Swede has not made any decisions regarding next steps at this time, nor has he officially said he is retiring.

Backstrom has not spoken to local media since taking his leave. He leaves behind a monumental legacy in D.C., where he put up 271 goals and 762 assists for 1,033 points in 1,105 games.