GOTTA SEE IT: Nicklas Backstrom Scores In First Taste Of Game Action In Brynäs Return
The former Capitals star is making his return to professional hockey overseas.
Former Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom’s return to hockey appears to be going as planned, as he scored in his first taste of game action as part of Brynäs IF’s annual Black vs. White game.
Backstrom got to the front of the net and scored in the scrimmage, burying a nice backhand feed from his teammate to put the black team on the board.
The 37-year-old is making his return to professional hockey with his hometown team in Brynäs IF after sitting out the last two seasons in D.C. amid ongoing complications following hip resurfacing surgery.
Backstrom finished his NHL career in memorable fashion, picking up 1,033 points in 1,105 games to be the league’s sixth-highest scoring Swede to play.
“I had an incredibly wonderful 18 years in Washington as a city and organization," Backstrom said in his press conference. "They have been exemplary in everything, and of course, I have a lot to thank them for being here today.”
"Right now, my body feels great. I've been on the ice all summer. I feel ready to take on that task," Backstrom said in his press conference, adding, "It's hard to say, but I myself feel that I’m hopefully a good hockey player and can contribute as much as possible."