Heartbreaking battle for Nicklas Backstrom

Fans were afraid that Nicklas Bäckstrom’s hip injury and consequent surgery could mean the end of his hockey playing career. However, the Washington Capitals forward is currently preparing for his 16th season in the NHL by working hard with his personal trainer in Stockholm. And for the first time in years, he feels optimistic.

While he feels better now and looks forward to getting back to action, Backstrom revealed some heartbreaking details about the battle with his hip injury an exclusive interview with SportExpressen.

“I had a regular hip operation eight years ago and then felt fine for a few years. But after that it just got worse and worse. I have had problems for years…It is difficult to describe the feeling, it stings. I have had difficulty walking. Hard to put on my socks and tie my shoes. It’s been hectic and generally frustrating – to be honest,” said Backstrom.

“It’s no fun walking around in pain. I’ve been limping to the hall and even skating has been a little easier than walking. The family has had to take the hit. I couldn’t even play with the kids. It has been very tough.”

With the tough part of the ordeal out of the way, Backstrom remains very optimistic he will return to the Capitals lineup this coming season. But the surgery details are still making fans feel uneasy.

“My hip ball was uneven, so it lay and rubbed, so it hurt. Now the hip ball is cut in half and I have like a metal shell around it, it becomes like a protection in the notch. It feels very good now. Then we’ll see how it feels when the game is at its most intense this winter. I am optimistic for the first time in many years.”

The Caps are set to start training camp around the third week of September with opening night on October 12 against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena. While it is extremely unlikely Backstrom will be in uniform for the start of the season, he feels like he will be at some point this year.