Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom set for 'lengthy recovery' after left hip surgery

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom admitted last month he had “some decisions” to make about his future, stemming from his ailing hip. The Capitals announced Backstrom underwent left hip resurfacing surgery on Friday. The procedure was performed at the ANCA Clinic in Belgium.

There is no timetable for his return. But he will begin his rehabilitation immediately and faces a “lengthy recovery process,” according to the team.

Backstrom, 34, has previously said his hip won’t ever be 100% again. His hip hampered him at the end of the 2020-21 season. A rehab process forced him to start this season on long-term injured reserve.

Ultimately, he appeared in 47 games this season. He registered a career-low 31 points. In the playoffs, he had six points in six games. But it was clear he was slowed by his hip as the season prolonged.

It appears he is headed down the similar road to start the 2022-23 campaign.

Backstrom has three years remaining on his five-year, $46.5 million deal. Behind him, Washington currently has Evgeny Kuznetsov, Connor McMichael and Nic Dowd at center.