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1100-Game NHL Veteran Signs With New Team After Walking Away From the NHL in 2023

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 1:28 PM ET

Nicklas Backstrom had a great career in the NHL with the Washington Capitals, but after departing in 2023, he's signed with a new team in Brynas IF, the club he played with back in 2004-2007.

Back in the 2006 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals selected Nicklas Backstrom with the No. 4 overall draft pick, and after the career he had, it's safe to say that it was a very good pick for the team.

Over the following 17 seasons, Backstrom would play in 1,105 regular season games with the team, becoming a key piece next to Alex Ovechkin as they claimed their only Stanley Cup in franchise history back in 2018.

However, the 37-year old left the NHL back in 2023, and is unlikely to ever return, but now, we know where the Swedish superstar will be playing his hockey next after an announcement from Sweden.

According to reports, Brynas IF are set to hold a press conference to announce the signing of the former NHL superstar for the upcoming Swedish Hockey League season.

The talented forward played with Bryans IF before ever making it to the NHL, appearing in 50 games for their junior team in 2003 and 2004 before making 110 appearances with their top team before making his way to the NHL for the 2007/08 season.

While he's not going to be the star that he once was in the NHL, with a career high of 101 points coming back in 2009/10, Backstrom is still a big name and can still clearly play at a high level, and given his connections to the club, it's very easy to see why there's plenty of excitement about Backstrom and his future in the Swedish Hockey League.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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