In the 1990’s, the NHL was gifted the duo of Brett Hull and Adam Oates. From 2007-2023, the NHL has enjoyed the duo of Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals. For Backstrom, the 2018 Stanley Cup Champion has announced the next chapter in his life. Today he signed with Brynas of the Swedish Hockey League, the top division in Sweden.
Backstrom’s Next Chapter
Backstrom says he’s back to health. Therefore, why wouldn’t he try his hand at the sport he loves. The fact that it is a bit of a homecoming to wind down his career is cool. At this time, there’s no indication of him resuming his NHL career. With this news, the sense is he’s gone to Sweden just to keep playing. Crazy things have happened, but it is likely his NHL days are over.
Looking Back at his NHL Days
Backstrom’s next chapter likely marks the final chapter of his NHL career. The Swede played 17 seasons in the highest league in the world, all with the Capitals. Backstrom has a big spot in the franchise’s history, with the biggest event being helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2018. In 17 seasons with Washington, Backstrom has played in 1,105 games. He has scored 271 goals, recorded 762 assists, for a total of 1,033 points.
Backstrom’s best season came in 2009-10. Playing in all 82 regular-season games, Backstrom scored 33 goals and recorded 101 points. It was the only time in his career he scored 30 or more goals. However, he did score 20+ goals in six of his 17 seasons. Furthermore, Backstrom tallied the assists in his career, primarily on Ovechkin goals. Backstrom’s best season in terms of assists came in that 2009-10 season when he recorded 68 assists. Backstrom recorded 60+ assists five times.
Injuries End Career
Backstrom missed the entire 2024-25 season due to the recovery from his hip injury. He did, however, join the team as Ovechkin completed his chase for goal #895.
The Swede has not played in 60+ games since the 2019-20 season. He underwent hip-resurfacing surgery in 2022 that was deemed to be career-threatening.
What’s Next?
Backstrom will likely receive strong consideration for the Hockey Hall of Fame when his eligibility begins. Regardless of whether or not he achieves hockey immortality, he will be celebrated in Washington D.C. In fact, the Capitals 10-year anniversary of their Stanley Cup Championship is approaching in 2028. We can bet Backstrom will be part of any events planned to celebrate.
Batman and Robin
No one thinks Oates was better than Hull. No one thinks Scottie Pippen was better than Michael Jordan. And, no one thinks Backstrom was better than Ovechkin. However, like any great duo in hockey history, or even world history, it is not about who was better. Both brought the best out of the other. Backstrom helped Ovechkin and vice versa. The Backstrom-Ovi duo will go down as one of the best in sport’s history.
We congratulate Backstrom on a fantastic career and wish him a restful and fulfilling time back in Sweden.
Main Photo: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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