Nicklas Backstrom returns to hockey with Brynas IF in Sweden

• Backstrom returns to hockey after a prolonged injury.
• He signed a contract with the Brynas IF club in Sweden.
• The Capitals praised Backstrom for his contributions to the team.

Gavle, Sweden — Nicklas Backstrom resumes his hockey career, joining Brynas IF in his native Sweden after missing the entire last NHL season due to persistent injuries.

The Swedish club announced on Monday that Backstrom signed a contract for the upcoming season. The 37-year-old forward finished his contract with the Washington Capitals this summer.

"I have always felt that I wanted to represent Brynas again, should such an opportunity arise," Backstrom said in a statement about returning to the organization where he began his career. "After rehabilitation and a prolonged absence from the game, I feel energized and ready to contribute to the club's future successes."

Backstrom underwent surgery to address a lingering issue in June 2022 with the aim of resolving a chronic problem. At the training camp in August 2023, he stated that he felt he was "significantly better." He last played in a competitive match on July 29, 2023, and on November 1, he announced his absence due to the team being called "chronic injury."

Prior to this, Backstrom played over 1200 games with the Capitals, accumulating more than 1100 points, and helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2018. The Capitals, in their statement, praised Backstrom and wished him success in the future, noting that he "gave everything he had every day."

Tags: Europe/Sport/Hockey