The 35-year-old explained that he is prioritizing his offseason training.
The 35-year-old explained that he is prioritizing his offseason training.
After making a major comeback from hip resurfacing this season, Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom earned himself an invite to play for Sweden in the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
However, the 35-year-old turned down the invite, per Swedish Publication SportBladet.
"It would have been so damn fun," Backstrom said. "But unfortunately, I have to strengthen my leg more and have a good summer."
A strong offseason will be vital for Backstrom, who will get to start his training early for the first time in years. He is optimistic that he can take the time to get back to full strength and come back stronger.
"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."
However, general manager Brian MacLellan, who said he saw marginal improvement from No. 19, isn't completely sold yet.
"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."
Washington is getting an extended summer, as the team failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time in nine years. And with that time, Backstrom wants to prove he can still play in the NHL.
Darcy Kuemper is also not going to play in Worlds and turned down an invite from Team Canada. Martin Fehervary is still considering whether or not he will suit up for Slovakia.
The tournament kicks off on May 12.