Capitals C Backstrom withdraws from NHL YoungStars Game

Jan 21, 2009 - 6:10 PM ARLINGTON, Virginia (Ticker) -- Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has withdrawn from Saturday's NHL YoungStars Game, citing the need to rest for the remainder of the season.

Backstrom, the Capitals' second-leading scorer, announced his decision in a statement Wednesday.

"I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the YoungStars Game last year," Backstrom said. "This year, I felt like it made more sense for me to give someone else that opportunity and use this time to rest and prepare for the second half of the season with the Washington Capitals.

"I can assure Caps fans that I'm not injured and will be ready to go Tuesday in Boston."

Backstrom, 21, has 12 goals and a team-leading 36 assists in 48 games this season. The Swede will be replaced in the YoungStars Game by St. Louis Blues second-year left wing David Perron, who has five goals and 25 assists this season.

The NHL also announced a pair of injury replacements Wednesday for the YoungStars Game, which will take place at Montreal's Bell Centre a day before the All-Star Game.

Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland will replace injured Boston left wing Milan Lucic and Nashville Predators rookie goaltender Pekka Rinne will fill in for Columbus' Steve Mason.