Longtime Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is resuming his hockey career with Brynas IF in Sweden

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom during an opening night NHL hockey competition against the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday Oct in Washington AP Photo Andrew Harnik AP Andrew Harnik Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom during an opening night NHL hockey tournament against the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday Oct in Washington AP Photo Andrew Harnik AP Andrew Harnik GAVLE Sweden AP Nicklas Backstrom is resuming his hockey career back in his native Sweden with Brynas IF after missing all of last NHL season because of a nagging hip injury The Swedish club reported Monday that Backstrom was signing there to play this coming season The -year-old center s NHL contract with the Washington Capitals expired this summer I have invariably felt that I would like to represent Brynas again someday if the opportunity arose Backstrom noted in a message about rejoining the organization where he started After undergoing rehab and being away from the tournament for almost two seasons I feel very charged and full of force to contribute to the club s future successes Backstrom underwent hip resurfacing surgery in June hoping to address a chronic issue and by training camp in September insisted he felt way better He last played in a competitive meaningful event on Oct saying on Nov he was taking a leave of absence because of what the crew called an ongoing injury situation Before that Backstrom skated in more than games with the Capitals recording more than points and helped them win the Stanley Cup in The Capitals in a declaration thanked Backstrom and wished him luck in the future saying he gave everything he had each and every day AP NHL https apnews com hub nhl Source