Nicklas Backstrom Basically Retires
It sure sounds like we have seen the last of Nicklas Backstrom. The *former* Capitals center just doesn’t have it anymore. Backstrom has been slowed down by a hip issue and he’s now stepping away from the team for what seems like for good.
Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan put out a statement regarding the news of Backstrom taking a step back from the team.
You can read the full presser by clicking this link here:
This move shouldn’t be viewed as surprising at all. The NHL has wonderfully given us puck-tracking data to the public. If you go on that NHL Edge website, Backstrom is basically regarded as the slowest forward in the league. The guy doesn’t have his boots anymore and it’s obvious that Backstrom is a shell of his former self.
Backstrom, 35, will be remembered as one of the best players in franchise history. He’s the all-time assist leader and is second in franchise history in points (271g, 762a) in 1,105 career games with Washington. The Caps selected Backstrom 4th overall in the 2006 NHL Draft. A pick that paid dividends for many years. Those days are just over now.
It’s not all bad news in Washington. This move really helps the Caps from a cap standpoint (pun intended or unintended. That part is up to you). Backstrom carries an AAV of $9.2 million and that money will now be shifted to LTIR. He’s under contract through next season. Getting that money off the books will certainly help the team given the current state of Backstrom. His play wasn’t exactly helping them win games.
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