Nicklas Backstrom Biography

Nicklas Backstrom was born on 23 November 1987 and is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has played as a centre for Brynäs IF in the Swedish Hockey League. He was selected fourth overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and played for the team from 2007 to 2023. Backstrom has become the Washington Capitals' all-time franchise leader in assists and is second in all-time franchise points behind teammate Alexander Ovechkin. He won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018 after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in the final series. Backstrom stated he focused on being a smart player who reads opponents, and he began his junior career in the 2002–03 season with Brynäs IF in the J20 SuperElit league. Due to increased competition from NHL players during the 2004–05 season, Backstrom failed to record a point in that season. In his second season, 2005–06, he posted 26 points across 46 games, including 10 goals and 16 assists, with a goal scored in four playoff games.