Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom undergoes arthroscopic hip surgery
Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom underwent arthroscopic hip surgery on Wednesday and is expected to ready to play before the start of next season, the team announced.
The Capitals did not disclose which hip was operated on or where the surgery took place.
“Nicklas Backstrom underwent a successful arthroscopic surgery on his hip on Wednesday afternoon,” the Capitals said in a statement on Thursday. “Based on the nature of this procedure we are confident that Nick will be completely healthy prior to the start of the 2015-16 regular season.”
Backstrom, 27, led the NHL with 60 assists and power-play assists (30) during the regular season and is the franchise’s all-time leader in that category.
He finished sixth in scoring with 18 goals and 78 points, while playing all 82 regular-season games. He had three goals and eight points during Washington’s two series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
• HAMILTON: Keith the Blackhawks' rock in helping force Game 7
The Capitals were eliminated by the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference semifinals after blowing a three games to one series lead.
- Scooby Axson