What Will Capitals Do With Backstrom? Team Faces Tough Decision As He Remains Adamant About Continuing Career

The 34-year-old is optimistic that he can return stronger for the Capitals, but GM Brian MacLellan isn't sold yet.

ARLINGTON, V.A. -- Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom did what several considered impossible this season, returning to NHL action following hip resurfacing surgery. While Backstrom is pain-free for the first time in years and believes he can still prove a lot more, general manager Brian MacLellan isn't completely sold -- at least not yet.

Backstrom has been pain-free since undergoing the procedure last June in Belgium. It not only gave him a second chance at his career but has since given him his life back by allowing him to bend over, put on socks, pick things up off the ground, play with his children and live without chronic pain for the first time in years.

"I think it was just like, went back to… I don't know, calmness in my body if that makes sense," Backstrom told The Hockey News. "It was just a nice feeling, you know? And I felt it right away, which was nice. It was an awesome feeling for me personally.

"It was just a game-changer. I haven't skated like that in a couple years, you know?"

Looking back on his return to play, Backstrom admitted it wasn't exactly ideal, as he had to play catch-up after returning mid-season while getting back into the swing of game action and continuing to regain strength in his leg.

While he put up 21 points in 35 games -- which would still put him on pace for nearly 50 points in a full 82-game season -- and showed that he still has his playmaking ability and vision, he did struggle at times with speed, leaving management with questions.

"That's a major surgery. I think it's frustrating in that I don't know that it gets -- how much better does it get?" MacLellan said of No. 19. "I haven't seen any other players do it: recover and get back to the level they thought they were at before... he's going to have to make a decision on his career where he thinks he's at."

MacLellan said that he saw "marginally" better play from Backstrom as time went on, but still, the uncertainty makes it difficult with regard to what's next for the 34-year-old.

Backstrom, though, insists that the longer offseason will work wonders, and he is adamant that he still has a lot left to give.

"I'm really excited about this," Backstrom said. "I think that it's been lingering a little bit for years, and I haven't really been able to work out the way I wanted to. But I’m real optimistic about this summer, get a good summer and come back and be part of the team from the start, and be part of the training camp and be part of the team that’s competing.”

"The progress has been better, I mean, better and better," Backstrom added on breakdown day. "Obviously, it's not ideal to come in midseason with a big surgery like that and you missed a lot... I'm optimistic about next year. Have a good summer, the first 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."

So, where do the Capitals go from here with regard to No. 19?

The best solution is the easiest one: let Backstrom get his full summer of training in and see how he performs at camp.

First off, Backstrom has earned that. The Swede has spent his entire career in D.C. and has not just been the franchise's all-time assists leader, but he has also been one of the most important voices in the dressing room and makes a major impact with his presence alone. Giving him the chance to show what a full summer can do for him is vital, especially with his teammates wanting him around.

Tom Wilson also made another good point, explaining that Backstrom still thinks the game the same way. His hockey IQ hasn't faded with time, and now that he's able to skate without pain, his mind alone should allow him to still be a dangerous player on the ice.

"He's got one of the best minds in the game. When his body allows him to do what his mind's telling him, it's a pretty scary recipe for success," Wilson explained. "It's nice to see him moving better and pain-free, and his body's responding to what he wants it to do. He thinks the game better than anybody I've ever played with, so when he's moving at full speed and feeling like himself, he's a heck of a player and one we're lucky to have."

Additionally, placing him on long-term injured reserve or buying him out can lead to cap implications, and it would also be unfair to Backstrom if he's not at least given a chance to show what he can do. And while trading Backstrom could be an option, it wouldn't be the right one given what he's done for the organization and given the fact that the return would have to be fair. And considering the surgery, it's uncertain that his trade value is at its highest righ tnow.

Plus, if Washington does part ways Kuznetsov this offseason, removing another top-6 talent from the puzzle can present a difficult challenge for the group as it looks to mesh quickly and get back on track fast.

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Backstrom has put in the work and dedication to return from a procedure that has ended some careers but saved some others, and giving him the opportunity to prove his worth is the smartest -- and safest -- move for D.C.