Nicklas Backstrom officially signs SHL contract with hometown Brynäs IF: ‘I feel full of energy to contribute’

Nicklas Backstrom is officially continuing his hockey career in Sweden.

Brynäs IF announced Monday that Backstrom has signed a one-year contract with an option for a one-year extension, re-joining his hometown team after close to two decades.

“I have always felt that I would like to represent Brynäs again someday if the opportunity arose,” Backstrom said in a press release, via Google Translate. “I have long had a great drive to return to Brynäs. 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.”

Reports of Backstrom’s return to Brynäs first emerged in May via Swedish outlet Aftonbladet. Before making his NHL debut, Backstrom spent six seasons with Brynäs as a young player, including parts of three seasons in what is now the SHL.

“Our wish and hope has of course always been to see Nicklas represent Brynäs IF again,” sports director Johan Alcén added. “He signals that he is very motivated to be part of our journey towards future success. When I hear that, I feel joy, gratitude and pride. 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.”

Though the season won’t start until September, Backstrom has already hit the ice in his hometown of Gävle, with the team posting photos of his first practice on Instagram.

Backstrom will wear number 19 with the club.

The Backstrom family previously listed their McLean, VA house for sale in April, though it remains on the market.

Backstrom, who spent 17 seasons in Washington, played his last game for the Capitals on October 29, 2023. After spending years dealing with chronic hip issues, including an extended absence after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in 2022, Backstrom stepped away from the game on November 1, 2023 and has not played since. He spent the entire 2024-25 campaign on long-term injured reserve before his Capitals contract expired on July 1.

Even without joining the Capitals on the ice, Backstrom remained around the team last season, watching practices and even helping his longtime winger Alex Ovechkin during his on-ice rehab from a broken leg. Backstrom was there to congratulate Ovechkin on Long Island when he broke the all-time NHL goal record in April, and the two shared an emotional moment in the locker room shortly after the milestone.

“We grew up together as hockey players, as people,” Ovechkin said of Backstrom earlier this month, via Google Translate. “One of my best partners, of course.”

The Capitals posted a statement on Monday wishing Backstrom good luck in the SHL, as well as a tribute video celebrating his career.

The Capitals wrote:

The Washington Capitals would like to thank Nicklas Backstrom for his countless contributions to our organization and wish him the very best as he returns to Sweden to continue his hockey career with Brynäs.

One of the greatest Capitals ever and the franchise’s all-time assists leader, 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. 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.

[Nicke], you exemplified leadership, loyalty, humility, and vision during your time in Washington and we’ll be cheering you on as you continue your hockey journey back home. We also look forward to celebrating your career back in the DMV in the future.

Thank you for everything, [Nicke]!

Backstrom ends his NHL career as one of the most successful players in Capitals history. With 1,033 points (271g, 762a) in 1,105 games, he leads the team in all-time assists and ranks second in total points, games played, and power-play points (421). As Ovechkin’s longtime centerman, he assisted on more of his goals (279) than any other player and served as the team’s alternate captain behind Ovechkin for well over. And, of course, he helped Washington win its first ever Stanley Cup in 2018, recording 23 points (5g, 18a) despite breaking his finger in the second round.

Backstrom’s tenure in DC has already cemented his place in history. Now, he’s set to finish his career where it first began.