35-Year-Old NHL Star All Set to Take a Break After Suffering From Health Issues

Nicklas Backstrom, the 35-year-0ld star of the Washington Capitals, recently surprised his fans and his teammates. He is all set to take a break from the sport. This decision has not only taken his supporters aback but also left his team members in astonishment. Nicklas is a key member of the squad, and his absence is bound to present a significant challenge for the Capitals.

NHL as a sport is very tough on the body. The physical fitness required for playing the game at the highest level is second to none. As capitals prepare for the upcoming season, they must address this unexpected setback and work to reconstruct their team.

Nicklas Backstrom- A Star’s Sudden Departure

Backstrom underwent surgery on his left hip in the year 2022. However, he made a comeback in the next year itself. He shocked everyone with his performance and scored seven goals in 39 NHL games. He also managed 21 points for his team. However, his stepping away from the game at his peak raises a lot of questions about the amount of load these athletes face.

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Backstrom made his debut in the year 2006 for the capitals. The capitals picked him in the first round itself. He has been an integral part of them since then. In 2018, when the capitals won the Stanley Cup, Nicklas played a very vital role in that. However, his hip injury has derailed his career in recent times. As a professional, being 100% is the topmost priority.

Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom stepping away for health reasons
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No matter how good you are, not being at 100% hampers your performance. Also, the NHL is fast and dynamic. There is a constant change in the direction and speed of the game. Apart from this, there is also an added challenge of physical contact. The players have to withstand pushes and nudges while playing. All these take a massive toll on the body. Therefore, it’s better to take some time off and return fresh.

Fan Reactions to the Sudden Exit

The fans also looked stunned after the announcement. Most of the fans on Reddit shared their thought process. One fan commented: “Glad he’s taking care of himself. Can’t imagine being in a position to be able to step away from work for health reasons.” Another fan commented: “He will be missed by his team but good on him for attending to his physical health.”

One user looked very concerned about the injury. He commented: ‘”Does anyone know what the issue is besides the hip”. One fan shared his thought on the comeback: ‘ he’s the only athlete the come back from the surgery he’s had.’ Another fan commented: ‘Adieu to a Caps legend’. Hopefully, Backstrom can have a speedy recovery and return to his normal life.

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