After a storied 17-season career with the Washington Capitals, veteran center Nicklas Backstrom has officially signed a one-year contract with an additional one-year option with Brynas IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). The announcement was made by Brynas IF on Monday, July 28, 2025, marking Backstrom's return to his hometown club where he began his professional career.
Backstrom, 37, stepped away from the NHL eight games into the 2023-24 season due to ongoing health concerns related to a hip injury that required resurfacing surgery in June 2022. While he made a brief return in the 2022-23 season, playing 39 games, the lingering issues ultimately led him to take a leave of absence from the Capitals. His five-year, $46 million contract with Washington expired on July 1, making him an unrestricted free agent.
In a statement, Backstrom expressed his excitement for the new chapter: "I have always felt that I would like to represent Brynäs again someday if the opportunity arose. 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."
Backstrom leaves an indelible mark on the Washington Capitals franchise. He is the team's all-time assists leader with 762 and ranks second in franchise history in points (1,033) and games played (1,105), behind only Alex Ovechkin. He was a crucial component of the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup championship team, a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.
His return to Brynas IF, where he played three seasons before joining the NHL in 2007-08, signals a fitting conclusion to his professional hockey career. While his NHL days are likely over, Backstrom is poised to contribute to his original club's success, bringing his experience and passion back to his roots in Sweden.
