Nicklas Backstrom is reportedly preparing for a return to professional hockey as early as next season.
According to Swedish reporters Tomas Ros and Hans Abrahamsson of Aftonbladet, the 37-year-old center is expected to sign a one-year deal with Brynäs IF, his former team in the Swedish Hockey League. Backstrom came up through Brynäs’ junior system and played three seasons with their senior squad before joining the NHL’s Washington Capitals for the 2007-08 season.
“Yes, the rumor has been circulating for a while – Nicklas Backstrom returning to Brynäs,” the reporters wrote (translated via Google Translate). “A dream comeback. The information continues to roll in. What we’re hearing now is that he’s signing a one-year deal and will proceed cautiously — possibly only playing part-time until Christmas, then ramping up his involvement.”
Backstrom tallied 66 points (22 goals, 44 assists) in 110 games with Brynäs from 2004 to 2007, plus 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists) in 11 playoff contests.
This development coincides with the end of Backstrom’s final NHL contract with the Capitals, which expires on July 1. He spent the entire 2024–25 season on long-term injured reserve and hasn’t played since October 29, 2023, stepping away from the team on November 1 due to persistent issues stemming from a surgically repaired hip.
By June, Backstrom will be three years removed from undergoing hip resurfacing surgery. His most recent appearance on the ice came in December, when he assisted close friend and teammate Alex Ovechkin with rehab following a broken leg. Since then, Backstrom has occasionally attended practices as a spectator and shared a memorable locker room moment with Ovechkin when he surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s goal record.
Rumors of Backstrom’s potential return to Swedish hockey gained traction shortly after he listed his home in Northern Virginia for sale. He maintains a luxury residence in his hometown of Gävle, Sweden, built in 2010.
Backstrom concludes his NHL career with 1,105 games played, all with Washington, the team that selected him fourth overall in the 2006 NHL Draft. He retires as the Capitals’ all-time assists leader, posting 1,033 points (271 goals, 762 assists), earning a 2016 All-Star nod, and serving as an alternate captain on their 2018 Stanley Cup championship team.
