Nicklas Backstrom made his return to competitive hockey on Thursday, playing his first game since leaving the Washington Capitals on November 1, 2023. After nearly two years away, Backstrom debuted in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) preseason with Brynäs IF, marking a significant moment in his career and drawing attention for his quick impact on the ice.
Strong Performance Highlights Brynäs’ Preseason Victory Over Timrå IK
Backstrom appeared alongside former NHL players Kieffer Bellows and Anton Rödin on Brynäs’ second forward line during their matchup against Timrå IK at Hudiksvall’s Holmen Center. The Capitals’ all-time assists leader demonstrated his playmaking ability early, contributing points on two of the team’s first three goals. His first contribution was a secondary assist, where he carried the puck at the left circle and delivered a precise centering pass that led to Bellows scoring his first goal, giving Brynäs a 1-0 lead just over three minutes into the game.
Later in the first period, Backstrom set up another goal with a remarkable primary assist on the power play, threading a cross-ice saucer pass to Jakob Silfverberg, who scored with a one-timer from the left circle to extend the lead to 3-0. The goal was met with enthusiastic reactions from the crowd, highlighting Backstrom’s influence in the comeback.
Brynäs closed the game with a 4-1 win over Timrå, with Backstrom finishing the night earning two points. This multi-point performance was his first since March 23, 2023, when he recorded a goal and assist during an NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Backstrom’s Legendary Return to Brynäs After 6,724 Days
Playing for Brynäs in the SHL marked Backstrom’s first game for the club in 6,724 days, dating back to the 2006-07 season, according to TV4. This lengthy absence made his return especially significant for fans and the organization.
“6724 dagar sedan senaste matchen. 6726 dagar sedan senaste målet. Ikväll är Nicklas Bäckström tillbaka i Brynäs-tröjan.” —TV4 Hockey (@TV4_Hockey)
Backstrom signed a one-year contract with Brynäs on July 28, which includes an option for a second season. Expressing his motivation, he stated,
“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.” —Nicklas Backstrom
Backstrom’s Transition Back to Sweden and Brynäs’ Upcoming Schedule
In June, Backstrom transitioned back to his native Sweden and put his home in Northern Virginia up for sale, ending a near twenty-year career in North America. His return to Swedish hockey reflects both personal and professional shifts as he aims to rebuild and contribute at home.
Brynäs is preparing for its next preseason game on August 21, facing MoDo at Hägglunds Arena in Örnsköldsvik, before opening their regular SHL season on September 13 against the Växjö Lakers.
Line-Up Details From Brynäs’s Opening Preseason Game
The forwards who took the ice against Timrå IK included #71 Axel Jonsson Fjällby, #10 Johan Larsson, and #33 Jakob Silfverberg, paired with #81 Kieffer Bellows, #19 Nicklas Backstrom, and #18 Anton Rödin, as well as #47 Lucas Pettersson, #20 Tyler Vesel, #36 Linus Ölund, #17 Michal Svrcek, #41 Greg Scott, and #52 Jack Kopacka. Defensemen and goalkeepers also supported the squad through the match, contributing to Brynäs’s strong preseason showing.