Nicklas Backstrom

Swedish playmaker and Washington Capitals all-time assists leader.

Nicklas Bäckström (Swedish: [ˈnɪ̌kːlas ˈbɛ̂kːstrœm]; born 23 November 1987) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who is a centre for Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Bäckström was selected fourth overall by the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL) at the 2006 NHL entry draft and played for the team from 2007 to 2023.

Quick Facts

Born: 23 November 1987
Birthplace: Valbo, Sweden
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
League: SHL
Team: Brynäs IF
Former teams: Washington Capitals; Dynamo Moscow
Draft: 4th overall

Lore & Background

Bäckström is renowned for his elite playmaking abilities, earning him a reputation as one of the league's most skilled passers. Since 2013–14, Bäckström began a streak of six-consecutive 50-assist seasons. He has since gone on to become Washington's all-time franchise leader in assists, and is second in all-time franchise points behind teammate and close friend Alexander Ovechkin. Bäckström won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018 over the Vegas Golden Knights. He achieved the 1,000th point milestone on 9 March 2022.

Reader's Guide

Bäckström was born and raised in Valbo, Sweden. His father, Anders, was a professional ice hockey player, who won a championship with the Brynäs and retired shortly after Bäckström was born. His mother was a handball player in Finland and Sweden. According to his father, Bäckström 'took over a pair of skates' from his older brother Kristoffer at the age of two. By the time Bäckström was three years old, his father claimed 'he could skate fully on his own.' The 'ice barn' in Valbo where he developed his hockey skills as a young boy has been renamed to Nickback Arena. As a young player, Bäckström focused on the mental part of the game. He stated that 'I'm not a fast skater, but when I was younger I always wanted to be a smart player and try to read my opponent.'

Did You Know?

Bäckström was drafted fourth overall by the Washington Capitals in 2006, making him the fourth-highest drafted Swede at the time, after Mats Sundin, Daniel Sedin, and Henrik Sedin.
He won the Viking Award as the top Swedish-born player during the 2008–09 season.
Bäckström scored his first career Stanley Cup playoff hat-trick, including the overtime game-winner, against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2010 playoffs.
During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Bäckström played for Dynamo Moscow of the KHL and wore jersey number 69 out of respect for Wayne Gretzky.