New York. Almost nine months of waiting is over.
On Sunday, Niklas Backström finally made his comeback – with a newly regenerated hip that no longer hurts.
– I’m so excited, hockey is still the most fun I know of, the 35-year-old star center tells Sportbladet.
At the end of April last year, Nicklas Backström played his last NHL game against the New York Islanders in Long Island
Since then, he underwent major hip surgery in Belgium and has been involved in a long and arduous rehabilitation.
“A little tense”
But when the Washington Capitals took on the Columbus Blue Jackets at home at Capital One Arena late Sunday night, Swedish time, the 35-year-old center from Falpo was back on the ice again.
– How do you feel? I’m a little nervous, like I said, it’s been a long time since I’ve played, but above all I get excited, says Bakis when we talk to him one day before heading back.
Because that’s the way it is: Despite playing in the NHL for sixteen years – making him the active Swede who has belonged to the World League for the longest time, along with Alex Edler – Niklas still loves his job.
“I’m still the funniest person I know.”
– Yes, hockey is still the most fun I know. That’s why I went through this whole process, I really want to play, he continues.
– Now I can also do it without getting hurt, we’ve been working hard for the last month and I don’t feel at all at my hip now. It will probably take a while before I get into the rhythm of matches and such, but everything looks good.
Tom Wilson, also injured for a long time, is also making his season debut against Columbus.
The match starts at 23.00 Swedish time.
