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Nicklas Backstrom

Born:November 23, 1987Draft:2006 Capitals #4 Overall
Hometown:Valbo, SwedenPosition:Centre
Known For:Stanley CupShoots:Left
National Team:Sweden

Nicklas Bäckström (Swedish: [ˈnɪ̌kːlas ˈbɛ̂kːstrœm]; born 23 November 1987) is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Bäckström was selected fourth overall by the Capitals at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

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, one of only 26 players to ever accomplish the feat. He has since gone on to become Washington’s all-time franchise leader in assists and is second in all-time franchise points behind linemate Alexander Ovechkin. Bäckström won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018 over the Vegas Golden Knights.

Nicklas Backstrom Washington Capitals
Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Nicklas Backstrom Statistics

Deeper Dive

Achievements

  • Stanley Cup Champion (Capitals – 2018)
  • World Championship Gold Medal (2017)
  • World Championship Scorer of the CWG (2017)
  • NHL All-Star Game (2016)
  • 2x Best Swedish Player (Viking Award) (2009, 2015)
  • Olympic Silver Medal (2014)
  • KHL Gagarin Cup Champion (2013)
  • NHL All-Rookie Team (2008)
  • NHL YoungStars Roster (2008)
  • Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year (Årets Junior) (2006, 2007)
  • U20 WJC Top 3 Player on Team Sweden (2007)
  • Elitserien Rookie of the Year (2006)
  • World Championship Gold Medal (2006)
  • World Championship Youngest Swedish Player Ever (2006)
  • U18 WJC Bronze Medal (2005)

Sources