Nicklas Backstrom is making a return to professional hockey after missing the start of the 2023-24 NHL season due to injury. He recently signed a one-year deal with Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), the club where he began his pro career. This move marks his first on-ice action since his injury ended his NHL run with the Washington Capitals and could prove a vital asset both for Brynäs and for the Swedish national team as they plan for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Sweden’s Olympic Roster Plans Include Watching Backstrom’s Progress
Sweden’s national team coach, Sam Hallam, has confirmed that Backstrom is still under consideration for the Olympic squad. In a conversation with NHL.com’s Janne Bengtsson, Hallam expressed optimism about Backstrom’s fitness and contribution potential.
“Of course we will watch him,”
Hallam said.
“First of all, it is very nice that ‘Backy’ is healthy enough to play. I don’t think he would have jumped on that task if he didn’t feel he could contribute. So for hockey at home in Sweden and the SHL, it is great.”
Backstrom’s Past Impact on Sweden’s National Team and Olympic History
Backstrom has a strong history representing Sweden internationally, having played in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. Over nine Olympic games, he accumulated 10 points, including one goal and nine assists. He led Sweden’s scoring in the 2010 tournament with six points in four games before the team was eliminated by Slovakia in the quarterfinals.
At the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sweden reached the gold medal game, but Backstrom was unable to play in the final due to a failed drug test linked to an allergy medication containing pseudoephedrine. Sweden lost that final 3-0 to Canada and received the silver medal. Following this, Backstrom’s medal was initially withheld but reinstated in 2015 after a successful appeal involving the IOC, WADA, and IIHF. The settlement cleared him of any intent to enhance performance, though he accepted a reprimand.
Afterward, he returned to the Swedish national team for the 2016-17 season, competing in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the 2017 World Championship.
Brynäs IF’s Outlook and Backstrom’s Expected Return to SHL Play
Brynäs IF finished last season as the SHL’s top regular-season team and aims to maintain that position in the upcoming 2023-24 campaign. While the club is cautious about timing Backstrom’s return to competition, Johan Alcen, Brynäs’ sports director, suggested a debut could come as soon as early October. His presence is expected to add experience and depth to the team’s lineup.
Competition for Sweden’s 2026 Olympic Roster Remains Intense
Though Backstrom is back on the national team’s radar, he faces strong competition for a center spot on the Swedish Olympic team. Other top contenders include Elias Pettersson, Mika Zibanejad, Joel Eriksson Ek, Leo Carlsson, and William Karlsson. These players represent a deep pool of talent striving to secure their place at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Backstrom’s Return Holds Promise for Sweden’s Olympic Ambitions
Backstrom’s return to professional hockey with Brynäs IF and the spotlight from Sweden’s coaching staff highlight his ongoing potential to contribute on the international stage. His experience and skill could be significant factors as Sweden builds toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, where the team will seek to remain a strong contender. The upcoming SHL season will likely reveal how ready Backstrom is to rejoin the highest levels of competition, and his performance will be closely monitored by national selectors as they finalize their Olympic roster.