Nicklas Backstrom recently signed a one-year contract with Brynäs IF, the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) team, marking his return to professional hockey after a nearly two-year break due to hip injury issues while with the NHL’s Washington Capitals. The deal includes an option for an additional year, signaling the veteran’s commitment to his hometown club. The focus on Nicklas Backstrom Brynäs IF salary has drawn attention as the 37-year-old resumes his playing career.
Backstrom’s Salary Remains Private Amid Speculation
During discussions with Aftonbladet’s Amanda Zaza, Backstrom was reluctant to disclose his new salary. Previously, while still with the Capitals, he earned $9.2 million per year under a five-year, $46 million contract. Now, returning to Brynäs IF, it is clear the veteran has accepted a significant reduction in pay, reflecting a different stage in his career.
You can go to the tax office, [Johan Alcen] (Brynäs’s sports director) will probably have to answer that,
Backstrom said, according to a Google Translate version of the interview.
There were no frills. I play for the joy and love of hockey and the club.
—Nicklas Backstrom
Brynäs IF’s Roster Strategy and Financial Context
Backstrom is expected to be the last forward added to Brynäs IF’s roster this season. Though he is not the team’s highest-paid player, his salary takes up a significant portion of the club’s budget, limiting further front-line acquisitions. Johan Alcen, the club’s sports director, confirmed the financial commitments have been settled and there will be no additional forward signings.
He is not [the highest-paid player], and then I say the same as him,
Alcen told journalist Amanda Zaza.
It is an agreement we have entered into, and the agreement on what is written there we want to stand.
—Johan Alcen
We haven’t sat around and counted Nicklas in. It’s a jackpot that he wants to be here; we won’t sign any more forwards.
—Johan Alcen
Backstrom’s Career Earnings and Team Ambitions
According to data from PuckPedia, Nicklas Backstrom earned approximately $115.55 million during his 18-year tenure with the Washington Capitals. This total excludes additional performance bonuses included in his initial NHL contract. Brynäs IF, meanwhile, finished first in the SHL regular season last year with a strong record and advanced to the championship series, where they lost to Luleå HF in six games.
In preparation for a championship run, Brynäs IF has bolstered its roster with several players who bring NHL experience, including Michal Kempny, Kieffer Bellows, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, Robert Hagg, Mattias Norlinder, Collin Delia, and Damian Clara. These acquisitions reflect the club’s determination to capture their first league title since 2012.
Potential Impact of Backstrom’s Return on Brynäs IF
Nicklas Backstrom’s return symbolizes more than just a boost in skill; it represents a commitment rooted in passion rather than financial gain, as he explicitly stated his motivation is the joy of playing hockey and loyalty to the team. His presence is expected to provide leadership and experience as Brynäs IF pursues its championship goal this season, despite the challenges posed by the club’s salary limitations.