"He's taking time away.I don't think the performance is at the level he'd like to be at.
I would say it's probably unlikely he comes back."
A Rough Surgery Could Lead Backstrom to Retirement
Backstrom, 35, played only eight games this season. He left the team, reportedly unhappy with his performances.
With 1,105 games played in the NHL and 1,033 points, Backstrom left a huge mark on the Capitals and to see a player like him forced to retire after an injury is a real tragedy.