While Nicklas Backstrom will spend part of this spring traveling around with the Capitals to follow his old pal’s historic chase, his future beyond this season will likely not be in the United States.
Backstrom’s father, Anders, recently spoke to local Brynas news outlet, Gefle Dagblad, about his son’s next steps – and while it sounds like Backstrom and his family will head back to Sweden, don’t expect him to lace up the skates for his old Elitserien team.
“Anders Bäckström tells Gefle Dagblad that it is clear that his son and family will move home this summer when the contract with Washington expires
“But he is doubtful that Nicklas Bäckström would lace up his skates and make a comeback in Brynäs.
“It is quite clear that he and his family will come home after this season. But there will be no more games. I find that hard to believe.”
Gefle Dagblad, 3/26/25
While it’s not surprising that Backstrom’s playing days are over – considering he hasn’t played for the Caps since October 2023 – it is sad to think that a longtime fixture of the DC area, and a Capitals legend, is departing the DMV.