Nicklas Backstrom Gearing Up for His Unlikely Return from Double Hip Surgery

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom recently sat with ESPN's Emily Kaplan and opened up about his double-hip surgery he underwent this offseason. His return to the NHL was always going to be a long journey, as only two NHLers have undergone a similar procedure; first, Ed Jovanovski who played just 36 games after. Then Ryan Kesler, who never played again.

Therefore, if Backstrom is able to return to NHL action, he will be a pioneer of sorts. Apparently, Backstrom's hip(s) had left him in pain for some time, causing him - at times - to limp around Capital One Arena.

The Swedish playmaker refused to envision a scenario in which he hung his skates up, but that doesn't mean retirement wasn't on the table. GM Brian MacLellan told the pivot that, given all he's accomplished - 1,000 games, 1,000 points, a Stanley Cup - no one would say anything if he capitulated to his injuries.

Backstrom said 'screw that.' Paraphrasing a bit, but that's the gist.

Washington anticipates Backstrom's return sometime before the end of January, along with forwards T.J. Oshie and Tom Wilson. Currently 21-13-6, the Caps occupy the Eastern Conference's first Wild Card spot, just four points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who sit outside looking in.

If Backstrom is indeed able to return, it would be remarkable on a personal level, but it would also provide a welcomed boost to the team's center group. Nicklas Backstrom is one of those guys who just makes the entire NHL better, and his unlikely return to action would serve as an inspiration to those with similar injuries in future.

Full story: Emily Kaplan, ESPN

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