— It is emotional for everyone. “He’s had such a big role in this organization,” MacLellan said.
35-year-old Bäckström managed to play eight NHL games this season. He has had problems with injuries for several years and last summer he operated on his hip.
— It has been a long process that has been tough for him mentally and emotionally. It’s been tough watching him go through all that, MacLellan says.
Bäckström himself did not give a future forecast when he announced his decision to take a break from ice hockey.
“I want to thank my teammates, the organization and the supporters for their support during this process. I also ask to be left alone while I make a decision about my future,” he said in a statement.
During the hip operation last year, Bäckström received a so-called surface replacement prosthesis. Among the NHL players who have had the procedure done in the past, only one player, Ed Jovanovski, was able to return to play, according to nhl.com. For example, Ryan Kesler who had the same type of surgery never returned to the ice.