“It’s not like we can go out and sign a $9 million player. We are anticipating Nick comes back at some point," said Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on Wednesday. "Until that goes away we are planning on him coming back.” There is still no timetable in place for Backstrom's return and he faces an uncertain future during what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process. MacLellan said the team intends to fill Backstrom's spot internally first and give larger roles to young players.

The Capitals announced the procedure on Saturday and didn't provide a timetable for Backstrom's return. The procedure is less invasive than a full hip replacement surgery. Capitals GM Brian MacLellan admitted after the 2021-22 season that it was hard for Backstrom to play and it was probable that other options were going to be explored. The 34-year-old center has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him. 

Rather than offer a timetable, the Capitals said that Backstrom "will begin his rehabilitation and lengthy recovery process immediately." This is a serious procedure and his status for the 2022-23 campaign is very much in doubt. Backstrom's hip issues were a problem this season, limiting him to 47 games. He had six goals and 31 points over that span.

Backstrom sat out the first 28 games of the season with lingering hip woes. He played the rest of the way with six goals and 31 points in 47 game and while he had six points in six playoff games, he enters the off-season wondering if he should get surgery on his hip to try and rehab it once again. The 34-year-old realizes his hip will never be 100 percent again and must decide on his next move shortly.