When national captain Sam Hallam presented the squad for the Finland Hockey Games next week, Brynässtjärnan was included.
After an eight-year absence, the 37-year-old – who has played over 1,000 games and points in the NHL – is back in the national team. Ahead of Brynäs' match against Skellefteå in the SHL on Thursday evening, Bäckström commented on the selection.
"It was great fun, of course, and a bit shocking. When Sam called, we were very honored and of course it was fun," he tells TV4 Play.
After checking with his family, he agreed.
"You had to have a little talk with your family, of course you realized that it was the end of your career, and everyone said yes," he says.
In connection with the selection, national captain Hallam opened up for the Olympic Games if Bäckström "can move up a few more steps".
But "Bäckis" himself downplays it now that NHL players are once again available in the Olympics for the first time in twelve years.
It's a very long shot, so I don't even need to discuss it, other guys will come and play it, he says.
