Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that Nicklas Backstrom has begun negotiations on a contract extension with the Washington Capitals. Backstrom is doing so without an agent.
Tuesday, Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan had a roundtable interview and was given an opportunity to address that reporting.
Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan discussing the 2019-20 season at the quarter mark with the media today at @MedStarIceplex. pic.twitter.com/yYFeEmRd7C
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) November 26, 2019
He did not confirm or deny Friedman’s report.
MacLellan wouldn't even confirm whether he's talking directly with Backstrom or his agent. https://t.co/7KUnmWUk98
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) November 26, 2019
The Washington Times’ Adam Zielonka added that MacLellan, in a sign of respect, said it was up to Backstrom on if he wants to comment on his contract negotiations or not.
We finished up with #Caps GM Brian MacLellan earlier. He said it's up to Nicklas Backstrom whether he wants to comment on his contract negotiations. Didn't confirm or deny a report that Backstrom is negotiating it himself without an agent.
— Adam Zielonka (@Adam_Zielonka) November 26, 2019
What is clear is that MacLellan cannot imagine a future without Nicklas Backstrom centering one of the team’s top two lines in the years to come. He told reporters that “We want him back. He’s a big part of our organization and we’re going to do whatever we can to get him back.”
MacLellan, speaking to reporters today, wouldn't comment on the specifics of the #Caps' talks with Backstrom on an extension. "We want him back. He's a big part of our organization and we're going to do whatever we can to get him back," MacLellan said.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) November 26, 2019
So basically this is Brian MacLellan to Backy right now. You’re all I ever wanted. You’re all I ever needed, yeah. So tell me what to do now cuz I want you back.
Please re-sign soon, Nicky. Don’t put Mac’s heart (and ours) through the blender.
Headline photo: @Capitals
