Backstrom is a talented playmaker and has been among the assist leaders every year since he joined the league. It probably, as always, harkens to the Ovechkin factor. Backstrom, 33, has four years left on his contract and continues to post prolific assist totals, sitting 13th in the NHL this season. Upon availability confirmation, receive item 14-21 working days after payment. Lost in the chaos and controversy of the Capitals’ 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins was Nicklas Backstrom’s 700th career assist. And Backstrom may one day be acknowledged among the all-time best at what he does best: setting up others. Nicklas Backstrom. He could choose to hang it up before his contract is over, his production could drop lower than I projected, there could be injuries or other circumstances that limit the number of games, but I just wanted to give a realistic projection of the elite company Backstrom will be in by the end of his career. Nicklas Bäckström (Swedish: [ˈnɪ̌kːlas ˈbɛ̂kːstrœm]; born 23 November 1987) is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Every NHL player's case analyzed. There are only four eligible players who rank in the top 50 in points who are not currently in the Hall of Fame (Pierre Turgeon, Jeremy Roenick, Bernie Nicholls, Vincent Damphousse). OK, here are some numbers. For Nicklas Backstrom? That gives us an estimate of 1,231 career points, which would rank 42nd all-time. Backstrom received a royal introduction to his 1,000th game from his Washington Capitals teammates, with their sticks raised to create a tunnel as he took the ice, not to mention a silver stick and a pre-game photo shoot, in the moments before Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. Of the 25 other players to reach this mark, 23 are in the Hockey Hall of Fame. I like it that way. April 16, 2021 Austin NHL 0. And to take a minute and honor him for what he’s done and what he’s accomplished I think is important.”. But we didn't anticipate the appearances of Adam Fox, Roope Hintz and Joel Edmundson among the NHL's elite. Skip to content. All 21 Hall-eligible players on that list have been inducted, and the other two, Jaromir Jagr and Sidney Crosby, are Hall of Fame locks. The truth is that Backstrom would be a great playmaker with or without Ovie, as evidenced by the fact Backstrom has continued producing at close to a point-per-game pace even in recent seasons when Evgeny Kuznetsov usurped him as Ovechkin’s regular center. That's totally ridiculous. Publicity? The idea of being showered with praise has always felt foreign to Backstrom, who is most famous for spending his career in the shadow of someone much more famous: Alex Ovechkin, arguably the greatest goal-scorer of all-time. Playing for Team Sweden, Backstrom has won two World Championships, one Olympic Silver and one World U18 bronze. With all due respect to those players, are you telling me any of those four have more of a case to make for the Hall of Fame than Backstrom? Backstrom is the fifth Swedish-born player in NHL history to reach the 700-assist mark, joining Nicklas Lidstrom (878), Henrik Sedin (830), Mats Sundin (785) and Daniel Alfredsson (713). The newest Leaf also talks staying busy during quarantine and growing up as a fan of the Colorado Avalanche. Next up: the Hall of Fame. Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom is making his case as a Hall of Fame player. My argument is not that if Backstrom retired tomorrow, he deserves a spot. Fast forward almost 11 years, and the 29-year old Backstrom is quietly building a career worthy of the Hall of Fame. He's had an amazingly consistent career, 855 points in 876 GP. He’s never been a first- or second-team all-star. Why Nicklas Backstrom is a Future Hall of Famer. If you want to argue about individual accolades or question what Backstrom would be without Ovechkin, let's look at the international accomplishments. How can he be one of the best all-time if he wasn't even the best of his era? His passing ability, however, is exceptional as he has shown time and time again throughout his career. Though he does not shoot as much as he probably should, he has a very good if underutilized shot. Publicity? But if you really want to compare him to other NHL stars, let's look at Backstrom's draft class in 2006, a class that includes Jonathan Toews, Phil Kessel, Claude Giroux and Brad Marchand. You don't have to convince Capitals fans that Nicklas Backstrom is an elite superstar, but his former coach Bruce Boudreau likens him to Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. By the eye test, Backstrom sees the game exceptionally well. Next up: the Hall of Fame That’s 1,000 Games for Nicklas Backstrom. At least, that’s a potential narrative. He’s never won a major individual award: no Hart Trophy as league MVP, no Art Ross as the scoring champ, no Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward, despite being fringe contenders for each at a few points in his career. The only players with more points than Backstrom since he entered the league are four first-ballot Hall of Fame talents: Ovechkin, Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Patrick Kane. Attention? If you want to argue about individual trophies, I will tell you that it is hard to win those votes when you are overshadowed your entire career the way Backstrom has been by Ovechkin. Last season, he became the 26th player in NHL history and one of two active players (Joe Thornton, San Jose) to accomplish this feat. He’s been extremely durable in his career, playing in 94.1 of Washington’s games since he debuted, so he’s a safe bet to become the 33rd member of the 800-assist club. By end of his career, Backstrom will be deserving of Hall of Fame. But he’s existed on a plane somewhere better than “very good” but below “generationally great” from the moment he debuted in the NHL, and plenty of players of that ilk have earned Hall calls, from Mats Sundin to Marian Hossa. If we look at Backstrom's assists, let's again keep his current pace of 0.72 assists per game through this season and then drop it to 0.5 for the next four. With 954 career points, Backstrom ranks 103rd all-time. Eye test not enough for you? Download and subscribe to the Capitals Talk podcast. Framing or encasing authenticated sports memorabilia is the perfect way to showcase them. I’m not going to be like, ‘Hey, I’m here.’ That’s the thing. Nicklas Backstrom and Brian MacLellan (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) Nicklas Backstrom and Brian MacLellan (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) Breaking News. Backstrom is the only active player in the NHL that has recorded at least 50 assists in six consecutive seasons. The other two, Thornton and Henrik Sedin, are not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame. The Washington Capitals understand they must address the center position as their perennial number-one center and future Hall of Fame inductee, Nicklas Backstrom’s career winds down. Backstrom has more points than anyone in that draft class by a wide margin. Kessel is second with 877, behind Backstrom by 77 points. Corey Perry and Jose Theodore have won the Hart Trophy as league MVP. Attention? Is Nicklas Backstrom a HOF player or just Hall of Very Good? But Backstrom's career is not over. He deserves all the credit, too. At least three of those players are shoo-ins to be inducted with Sedin being the only real question and I still think he will get in. 2006] Backstrom[2. By end of his career, Backstrom will be deserving of Hall of Fame originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington So often overshadowed throughout his career, The simple answer to your question is, yes, Backstrom belongs in a discussion for the Hockey Hall of Fame. Publicity? Only one eligible 800-assist player isn’t in the Hall of Fame, and Backstrom can get to 900 if he averages 40 assists and change over the rest of his contract. Because Backstrom is active, this post may not be up-to-date during the season. Compare Nicklas Backstrom to . In the past five seasons, only Crosby has scored more points at center. … Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Ben Hutton says he's like to help his new club on both ends of the ice. Add Your Blog Posts Here; Player News Archive; Player News RSS Feed; Show/Hide More Stories; Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom is making his case as a Hall of Fame player. I’m just going to try and do my job. Next up: the Hall of Fame Next up: the Hall of Fame Maple Leafs' Jack Campbell: Giving Up Three In The First Is Unacceptable Consideration? From 2007-08, Backstrom’s rookie season, to present day, his 715 assists lead all NHLers and are 29 more than the next-closest player. Sean Couturier and Ryan Kesler have won the Selke Trophy as the top defensive forwards. Backstrom has led the NHL in assists once and cracked the top three six times. Could Backstrom end up a Hall of Famer? Not a subscriber? It was extremely deserved but felt strange to see for one of the most underrated and under-celebrated players in NHL history relative to his talent level. Only 23 players in NHL history had at least 700 assists at the 1,000-game mark in their career. Back on Tuesday, the Capitals faced the New Jersey Devils and Backstrom found his way to 50 assists on the season with his helper on Tom Wilson’s second period goal. 0. He may not be there yet, but by the time Backstrom decides to hang up the skates and call it a career, he will be worthy of a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Backstrom once summarized why he loved that arrangement during a 2016 interview with The Hockey News. Assuming he plays at least 5 more years he'll easily be over 1,000 GP and 1,000 points. Nicklas Backstrom, Center (Quads 1,2) The Washington Capitalscenter will have a strong stats case by the end of his career, given that he has 740 points in 749 games at age 29. For Nicklas Backstrom?It was extraordinarily deserved however felt unusual to see for probably the most underrated and under-celebrated gamers in NHL historical past relative to his expertise degree. Career 2020-21 Powered by . “I would say, ‘Yeah, it’s perfect. There is no specific milestone that grants you an automatic spot, no specific trophy. While Backstrom undoubtedly has made Ovechkin better, passing the puck to the goal-scoring G.O.A.T. Nicklas Backstrom and Brian MacLellan (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) Pageantry? Nicklas Backstrom Washington Capitals Autographed Official Game Puck ₱ 9,000.00 Prices inclusive of 12% VAT. For Nicklas Backstrom? If you threw all those apples out of the barrel, Backstrom would still have 423 assists, and that would still be 31st-most in the league since he debuted. So Backstrom can go ahead and start dreaming about getting the Hall call someday. NHL Playoffs. Something Hall of Fame Swedish player Peter Forsberg didn’t even accomplish (we’ll revisit Forsberg later on). The circumstances are unfortunate, but even if he is never truly appreciated the way he should be during his career, his time should at least come when it is over. “The media, they’re always asking me about how ‘Ovie’ gets the headlines, ‘Ovie’ gets the spotlight,” Backstrom said at the time. Backstrom ended the season ranked third in points (101) behind Henrik Sedin (112, VAN) and Crosby (109). The Athletic's Chris Kuc answers questions about Nicklas Backstrom's Hall of Fame case, Evgeni Malkin's hit on T.J. Oshie and other pressing queries. If we judge him by the most obvious surface criteria, he may get overlooked as he has by awards voters his whole career. By the end of his career, Backstrom will be in the 1,000-point club, a mark that fewer than 100 players have reached all-time. He’d be the 20th player to reach that benchmark. ou don't have to convince Capitals fans that Nicklas Backstrom is an elite superstar, but his former coach Bruce Boudreau likens him to Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. Nicklas Backstrom and Brian MacLellan (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) Pageantry? Those awards are a reflection of a single season, a snapshot being used to judge a player's entire career. There are eligible players even in the top 25 of assists who have not reached the Hall of Fame. Backstrom is the first Capital, the 10th European player, and the 54th NHL’er in history to reach the milestone. That’s 1,000 Games for Nicklas Backstrom. While the Capitals haven't played for a championship since 1998, it's not for lack of Backstrom's contribution: Since his career began, in 2007, the Capitals have won 50 games four times -- and Backstrom has averaged over a point per game in those wins. It is all subjective among the 18 members of the selection committee. Hall of Fame Authentics / Shop / Nicklas Backstrom Washington Capitals Autographed Official Game Puck. Tweet on Twitter. “He’s been such a valuable, important piece of this organization for so many years. By end of his career, Backstrom will be deserving of Hall of Fame. That would give him 258 through the rest of his career and 959 total. It's fair to wonder if the Hall of Fame selection committee will acknowledge it someday, too. Nicklas Backstrom is the first player in franchise history and the 54th player in NHL history to reach the 700-assist milestone. So often overshadowed throughout his career, Nicklas Backstrom reached a major milestone on Friday with his 700th assist, and it barely registered as a headline in a 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. Of the 25 other players to reach this mark, 23 are in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He is also currently only 12 assists from cracking the top-50 all-time. Next up: the Hall of Fame. To me, however, by whatever standard you want to apply, Backstrom has proven himself to be one of the best to play the game. Career NHL: 2007-present, 9 seasons, all quality 165G, 477A (10th Swede All Time) for 642P, +96 in 652 games; 69.1 PS; 19:53 ATOI In his draft year,[1. Numbers alone should not guarantee a player a spot in the Hall, but considering the eye test, how incredible he plays, the elite company he will be in when his career ends, how important he has been to the Capitals, how much of Ovechkin's success he owes to Backstrom (not just the other way around) and the international success he has had on his own without Ovechkin, Backstrom will be more than deserving of his spot in the Hall when his career is over, assuming, of course, the committee is paying attention and not just scrolling through his profile to see if he won a Selke. There will be arguments against Backstrom. For Nicklas Backstrom? All 21 Hall-eligible players on that list have been inducted, and the other two, Jaromir Jagr and Sidney Crosby, are Hall of Fame locks. And while we are on the subject of Sweden, Backstrom currently ranks seventh among all Swedish-born players in NHL points, already ahead of the all-time great Peter Forsberg (885). He will be that asterisk in which we say, everyone up to this point made the Hall of Fame except Backstrom. The circumstances are unfortunate, but even if he is never truly appreciated the way he should be during his career, his time should at least come when it is over. Four out of those 10 are not eligible yet: Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton, Henrik Sedin and Jaromir Jagr. “You’ve got to stay healthy, and a lot of times an injury can stop that, so I think for a lot of players a game milestone is a huge thing,” Backstrom said earlier this week. But with a career spanning 1,000 games and including a Stanley Cup, it’s difficult for Backstrom to hide what he’s accomplished at this point. Backstrom is just the 54th player of all-time to record 700 assists. That's not a negative thing, Backstrom seems to prefer not being in the constant spotlight. Pageantry? So often overshadowed throughout his career, Nicklas Backstrom reached a major milestone on Friday with his 700th assist, and it barely registered as a headline in a 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. He has never … He’s just the 23rd player in NHL history to have 700 career assists by game 1,000. Publicity? Drafted 4th overall] is 5th in Ga . If you’re already a subscriber, click on the My Account button to sign into your account to renew your subscription, make a payment, redeem a gift, update your payment method and much more... Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Auston Matthews and William Nylander are on track to return to the lineup while Nick Robertson moved up to the team's second line at practice in Vancouver. “1K, it means a lot. If not, he is going to be one of those anomalies, one of those players who ranks among the top assist leaders, who ranks among the top point producers of all-time, but is not in the Hall of Fame. 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