Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals - News - May 15, 2025

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Nicklas Backstrom - Heading back to homeland Backstrom (hip) will sign a contract with Brynas IF of the SHL for the 2025-26 season, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports Friday.

Impact Backstrom's NHL career has essentially been confirmed as over since he stepped away from the Capitals early in the 2023-24 campaign. He played in 1,105 regular-season games, earning 271 goals and 762 assists, all with the Capitals. He is the team's franchise leader in assists. The 37-year-old's return to Sweden will allow him to end his playing career in a part-time role for his hometown club.

MAY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Ethan Bear - Headed for minors Bear was reassigned to AHL Hershey on Friday.

Impact Bear will link up with the rest of the Bears to face AHL Charlotte on Friday, as the minor-league club competes in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The 27-year-old blueliner appeared in just 24 games for the Capitals this season, registering one goal on 24 shots, three assists and 16 hits while averaging just 14:54 of ice time. Given his minimal usage at the NHL level, it wouldn't be surprising if Washington lets him walk in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

MAY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Mitchell Gibson - Loaned to AHL Hershey Gibson was reassigned to AHL Hershey on Friday.

Impact Gibson was outstanding in ECHL action this season, going 12-1-0 with a 1.75 GAA and a .933 save percentage over 14 regular-season appearances. He also played one game at the AHL level, stopping 26 of 28 shots in a 6-2 regular-season win over Springfield.

MAY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Clay Stevenson - Returns to minors Stevenson was reassigned to AHL Hershey on Friday.

Impact Stevenson was with the Capitals because Charlie Lindgren (personal) was questionable for Game 5 against Carolina on Thursday, but Lindgren ended up serving as the backup goaltender while Logan Thompson got the start. Washington lost that game 3-1 and was eliminated from the playoffs, so Stevenson will return to Hershey. The 26-year-old had a 2.94 GAA and an .888 save percentage across 33 regular-season outings with the minor-league squad.

MAY 16 • ROTOWIRE

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2024-25 NHL Conf Semis Game 5 - News: May 15, 2025

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