Photo: Team Sweden
Swedish sports media outlet Aftonbladet is the report That Washington Capitals star Niklas Backström will once again pass up play for Team Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Championships next May. Backstrom said he had hoped to play, but eventually realized it was more important to build up his hip.
“It would have been so much fun, but unfortunately, he told Aftonbladet. “I have to strengthen my hip more and have a good summer.” Backstrom last played for Sweden at the 2017 Championships, when Sweden won gold.
Last summer, Backstrom decided to have extensive hip resurfacing surgery that would likely affect her career. By all accounts, the surgery went well, as he finally beats odds of returning to the ice during the 2022-23 season. He ended up suing the Capitals for 39 games.
In an interview on the day of the crash, Backstrom stated that he was optimistic about his future performance, as he would be able to have a full training session this season.
Capitals defender Rasmus Sundin remains a likely candidate for Team Sweden’s World Championship roster.
Tampere, Finland, and Riga, Latvia will host the 2023 IIHF World Championships. The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 12 to 28, 2023, and is organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
Written by John Sorensen