The recruitment looked for a long time like it wouldn't happen. Bäckström, 37 years old, has had a few injury-filled seasons – last season he played nothing – and to lace up the skates for the club he represented for over 20 years ago was not obvious.
It has been a few tough years, says Bäckström and refers to the injuries.
But clear he is. And according to Bäckström himself, he has been driving "passes on ice all summer" and is ready for play when the season starts.
The body feels good, so it's calm, he says, but is a little uncertain about questions if he is match-ready and how much the body can withstand.
Nervous wait
It will be nervous, he answers further about the feelings before the season premiere on September 13 at home against Växjö.
Regardless of match form, it's a different top league that Bäckström returns to compared to the one he left in 2007. Exactly what level awaits, and how different it will be to play on a large rink for a whole season, the future will show, means Bäckström.
I have followed Brynäs, and the journey the team has made. Especially with the playoffs last season, he says and adds:
I take a lot of experience home with me.
Long NHL career
Bäckström played 1,247 matches in nearly two decades in the NHL for Washington, was noted for 1,120 points and won the Stanley Cup with the club in 2018.
He has also been involved in winning two World Championship gold medals and one Olympic Games silver medal with Tre Kronor.
During his time in the NHL, Bäckström had a very successful collaboration with, above all, the Russian goal king Alexander Ovetjkin, who earlier this year made history with his 895th NHL goal – the most of all. "Bäckis" has assisted on 279 of the superstar's goals.
"Role model"
Bäckström has initially signed with Brynäs for a season with the possibility of extension for another one.
Bäckström will be the most merited player in the SHL since Peter "Foppa" Forsberg made a comeback in Modo in 2008-2009.
Sports manager Johan Alcén comments on the recruitment:
Sportingly and hockey-wise, words are probably superfluous. He is one of the world's best centers of all time. But it's also a fantastic guy we get in as a person.
Facts: Nicklas Bäckström
TT
Age: 37 years (born November 23, 1987, in Valbo).
Position: Center.
Clubs: Valbo, Brynäs, Washington, Dynamo Moskva (lockout season 2012-2013).
Main merits: Was part of Washington for 18 seasons. Made 1033 points (271+762) in 1105 regular season matches and 87 points in 142 playoff matches. Won the Stanley Cup in 2018. Has made 60 national team matches with Tre Kronor and won two World Championship gold medals and one Olympic Games silver medal.
Current: Clear for the SHL team Brynäs. The contract is for 1+1 year.
