Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said it's unlikely Nicklas Backstrom plays again this season after the Swedish center stepped away from the team last week, citing ongoing issues with his surgically repaired left hip.

MacLellan stopped short of ruling Backstrom out for the remainder of the season or saying the franchise cornerstone had played his final NHL game. The soon-to-be 36-year-old is expected to go on long-term injured reserve in the near future.

"It's emotional for everybody. He's been such a big part of the organization," MacLellan said Monday. "It's a tough situation, and eventually everybody's got to move on."