Washington Capitals star center Nicklas Backstrom is heading home. Brynas, the Swedish Hockey League club Backstrom played for before his NHL debut, announced that they’ve signed the forward to play for them once again.
“I have always felt that I would like to represent Brynäs again someday if the opportunity arose,” Backstrom said during an SHL press conference. “I have long had a great drive to return to Brynas. After undergoing rehab and being away from the game for almost two seasons, I feel very charged and full of energy to contribute to the club’s future successes.”
Backstrom spent the last two seasons on injured reserve due to health issues. He underwent a hip replacement surgery before the 2022-23 season and returned to play his final 39 NHL games shortly after.
He is one of two long-term Capitals to leave the organization this offseason. Fellow linemate TJ Oshie announced his retirement earlier this offseason, capping off a 16-year career with 302 goals and 393 assists for 695 points in 1,010 games.
Backstrom Leaves A Legendary Legacy with Washington
Backstrom, selected fourth overall in the 2006 NHL Draft, played his entire 17-season career with the Capitals. In 1,105 career games, Backstrom scored 271 goals and 762 assists for 1,033 points. He holds the record for most assists in Capitals history.
Backstrom registered 50 assists nine times across, hitting the 60 assist marker on five separate occasions. His best season came in 2009-10, where he put up 33 goals and 68 assists for 101 points. He finished that season fourth in league scoring.
Backstrom was a key contributor in the team’s 2018 Stanley Cup victory, putting up five goals and 18 assists for 23 points in 20 playoff games.
“Thank you, Nicklas Bäckström,” Capitals owner Ted Leonsis wrote on Monday. “One of the best to ever lace ’em up for the @Capitals and a pillar of our team and our community! Brynas just got a whole bunch of new fans here in Washington, DC. We look forward to watching you play and welcoming you back to DC soon!”
“Nick was a foundational cornerstone for the most successful period in team history, culminating with him lifting the Stanley Cup with his teammates in 2018,” the Capitals said in a statement. “Nick gave everything he had each and every day while playing over 1,000 NHL games in a Capitals sweater, leaving an immeasurable impact on the team, the city and the community.”
Backstrom Adds Veteran Help to Brynas
Brynas looks forward to adding Backstrom to the club. “In addition to Nicklas being one of the world’s best centers of all time, he has a personality and leadership on and off the ice that makes him a role model for everything we want to stand for,” Brynas director Johan Alcen said.
Last season, Brynas finished first in the league with a 34-18 record. With Backstrom at center, they aim for their first league championship since 2012. Backstrom reunites with former Capitals Axel Jonsson-Fjallby and Christian Djoos in Brynas. He’ll have the chance to play one last time for the hockey club that helped him make his professional debut.
Alex Ovechkin is the only remaining leader on the Capitals from Washington’s Cup-winning season.
Former Capitals Star Signs in Sweden