Photo: Amelia Moritzon/Gifle Dagblad
The Washington Capitals offseason is now in full force, with many players currently on vacation with family and friends, and even some players already returning to training for the upcoming season. The downtime has allowed time to recover and, for some, time to reflect on the last 12 months.
The hundred capitals Niklas Backstrom, who is he He is currently vacationing with his family in Halkidiki, Greecehe has some time to reflect on his last 12 months and he shared his thoughts with us at a A recent interview with . For Gevel Dagblad
“It was tough mentally, if I’m being completely honest. But I’ve talked to others who’ve had this operation, I’ve actually taken out tennis player Andy Murray’s number and talked to him, he’s been able to keep playing,” Backstrom told Gevel Dagblad.
“We had a good chat and he told me that this particular operation was a success for him. It was good to hear that.”
Backstrom told Sandström he still had the desire to play and prove he could still play at an elite level.
“I want to prove that I can play at a high level even after what I’ve been through,” he said. Backstrom said. “It’s the love of hockey. I don’t feel ready to stop and I still think it’s right to continue. I want to prove that I can play at a high level even after what I’ve been through.”
Photo: Amelia Moritzon/Gifle Dagblad
Backstrom spent the first half of last season rehabilitating from hip surgery, which didn’t allow for the usual preparations for the start of the NHL season. He’s looking forward to getting back into a regular setup for next season.
“Now I can look forward to playing and, for once, training for real during pre-season and being part of training camp with the team and not just doing rehab training and then coming in mid-season, as has been the case for a few years now,” Backstrom said.
Backstrom, who had hip surgery in June 2022, says he feels much better after 12 months. He even jokes about the new parts on his hip.
“I can do everything now. I have to go through airport security a few extra times, there are beeps everywhere and I have to explain that I have metal legs,” he grinned.
For Backstrom and his family, summer awaits in Gävle, his hometown in Sweden.
The kids are very American, of course, because they’ve lived there all their lives except for the summers when we’re home. Minor prefers not to speak Swedish, she answers in English when we speak Swedish to her. But they get into it pretty quickly when we get home anyway.”
Photo: Amelia Moritzon/Gifle Dagblad
As for Swedish hockey fans, especially those in Backstrom’s home area, the question still remains, will he ever return to play with Brenas?
“So, I can’t just stand here and promise things that will happen in the future. But what I can say is that I have a dream of playing for the Brenas,” he said. Backstrom said.
“Now I’m new to my body. But at the same time, you’re not 19 anymore. I have to take a year at a time now at this age. If it happens, it happens. But,” Backstrom, 35, says. i have a dream”.
thanks for the To help with this story. and Gevel Dagblad
Written by John Sorensen