Guide Note:Nicklas Backstrom is a swedish professional National Hockey League player, currently playing center for the Washington Capitals. Nicklas started playing on the swedish elite league team, Brynäs IF at the age of 16 and won the world championship at the age of 18. He averaged almost a point per game. Nicklas was named rookie of the year in the swedish league, and was the best forward on the team in 2005. He is known for his excellent hockey sense, and being a very skillful play maker. Nicklas has represented Sweden in four international competitions, playing in both the world junior championship and the world championship. He he played in four games of the world championship helping sweden win the gold in 2006. In 2006 he was selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round, fourth overall in the entry draft, he signed a 3 year entry level contract with them. Backstrom was expected to be a key player for Washington Capitals, a NHL team that finished 27th in the 30-team NHL last season and the Capitals have not made the playoffs since 2003. Nicklas ranks second on the Washington Capitals team and 2nd among the NHL rookies with 64 points.
Anders Backstrom, Niklas's father is a well known swedish hockey player, who played his whole hockey career with Brynäs IF. Nicklas's older brother, Kristoffer is also a ice hockey player for the swedish team Hammarby IF
Fast Facts:
- Date of Birth: November 23, 1987
- Place of Birth: Gavle, Sweden
- Position: Center
- Shoots: Left
- Played ice hockey for a swedish team called Brynäs IF
- Youngest Swedish player to play in World Championship
