What is Nicklas Backstrom's Net Worth and Salary?
Nicklas Backstrom is a Swedish professional ice hockey player with a net worth of $50 million. He earns an annual average salary of $9.2 million on his current deal. Backstrom is renowned for playing center for the NHL's Washington Capitals and was drafted by the Capitals in 2006. He also represents Sweden in international competitions.
Early Life
Nicklas Backstrom was born on November 23, 1987, in Valbo, Sweden. His father, Anders, was a professional ice hockey player, and his mother, Catrin, was a handball player. Inspired by his family, Nicklas started skating at a very young age and was involved in hockey practice by the age of four. Despite not being the fastest skater, he focused on improving the mental aspects of the game.
Backstrom's junior career began overseas when he was 15, and he was soon named Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year. In 2006, the Washington Capitals drafted him fourth overall, though he stayed in Sweden for an additional year before joining the NHL.
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NHL Career
On May 21, 2007, Nicklas Backstrom signed his three-year entry-level deal with the Washington Capitals and scored his first NHL point in October against the Thrashers. Many considered him the most talented Swedish prospect due to his early performance. Playing alongside Alexander Ovechkin, Backstrom formed one of the NHL's most formidable duos. He recorded 69 points with 14 goals in his rookie season and was second for the Calder Trophy. In 2010, he signed a ten-year extension with the Capitals.
Backstrom achieved a milestone by scoring his 1,000th goal on March 9, 2022. From 2013-2014, he had six consecutive 50-assist seasons, a feat achieved by only 26 players. He won the Stanley Cup in 2018 when the Capitals triumphed over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Internationally, Backstrom played a crucial role for the Swedish national team, winning gold at the 2006 World Championships, a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and another gold at the 2017 Men's Ice Hockey World Championships.
Nicklas Backstrom / Matt Kincaid/Getty Images
Contracts & Career Earnings
Nicklas Backstrom's initial contract with the Washington Capitals in 2007 was a three-year, $7.2 million deal. In 2010, he signed a ten-year, $67 million contract. He extended his commitment to the Capitals in January 2020 with a five-year, $46 million deal, including a $25 million signing bonus and $46 million in guaranteed money, carrying an average annual salary of $9.2 million. Throughout his 16-year NHL career, Backstrom has earned over $97.5 million in salary.
Personal Life
Nicklas Backstrom and his wife, Liza Berg, have three children together: two daughters and a son. The family resides in Arlington, Virginia, during the NHL season. Outside of hockey, Backstrom is an avid football fan and a dedicated supporter of Arsenal F.C.
