NHL star Nicklas Bäckström pauses his hockey career – may have played his last game

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PHOTO: Bildbyrån

Nicklas Bäckström takes a timeout from hockey.
The NHL player now announces this in a statement.
– A decision that feels necessary, says Bäckström.

Nicklas Bäckström, 35, was in his 17th season with the Washington Capitals, having joined the NHL club ahead of the 2007/2008 season. “Bäckis” was drafted in 2006 fourth overall, by the Capitals.

Taking a break

The 35-year-old was with the national team that won World Cup gold in 2006 and 2017, and also participated in the Olympic silver in 2014. In 2018, Bäckström won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals as assistant team captain, which he was for several seasons at the club. The contract with Washington extends to after the 2024/2025 season.

The article continues after the picture.

200305 Washington Capitals Nicklas Bäckström during a regular season NHL game between New York Rangers and Washington Capitals on March 5, 2020 in New York. Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN / code JM / 88126

But Nicklas has already announced that he is taking a break from hockey. In recent years, he has suffered from major injury problems in his hip and has been forced to undergo several operations.
– Based on my injury situation, I have now decided to step aside from the sport. This is a tough decision, but one that feels necessary for my health. I want to thank my teammates, the club and the fans for all the support during this time. I ask to be left alone while I make decisions about my future, says Bäckström in a statement.

Gets support

Now Bäckis gets support from Capital’s general manager Brian McLellan.
– We stand behind Nickla’s decision and will support him through this process. We know how hard he has fought and how determined he is to get fully healthy again, says MacLellan.

The article continues after the picture.

180811 Washington Capitals Nicklas Bäckström celebrates next to the Stanley Cup trophy on display in Gavlerinken on August 11, 2018 in Gävle. Photo: Simon Hastegård / Bildbyrån / Cop 118

Nicklas Bäckström grew up in Valbo and came to prominence in Brynäs IF. There were two seasons in the first team before he took the step to the NHL.

In 2014, Bäckis tested positive for the doping-classified substance pseudoephedrine. A substance that often appeared in the allergy medicine Nicklas took for several years. The punishment was a match suspension thanks to his cooperation and as he did not take the substance for performance-enhancing purposes. Unfortunately, that match was the Olympic final, but Bäckström got to keep his silver medal as a band-aid.

READ MORE: The incredible tribute to Nicklas Bäckström in the NHL – the fans don’t hesitate for a second when the question comes

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