Oct 18, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) skates with the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 1 (Reuters) - Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom announced on Wednesday his decision to step away from ice hockey so that he can focus on his health.
"Given my ongoing injury situation, I decided to take some time and step away from the game," Backstrom said in a statement issued by the Capitals.
Backstrom also thanked his team for their support and asked for privacy as he determines his next steps.
Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan said the team stands behind Backstrom and will support him through the process.
Persons:
Nicklas Backstrom, Marc DesRosiers, Swede, Backstrom, Brian MacLellan, Frank Pingue, Christian Radnedge
Organizations:
Washington Capitals, Ottawa Senators, Canadian Tire Centre, Capitals, Thomson
Locations:
Ottawa , Ontario, Toronto