Nicklas Backstrom

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 20                  Contract: RFA after '10

'07-08 Season Report

Backstrom got off to a very slow start under Glen Hanlon. Hanlon thought it would be best for Backstrom to learn the NHL game as a winger, a position with less responsibility than his natural center position. He struggled to find the scoresheet while playing on the wing, but perhaps the plan actually worked.

Upon being moved to center, his play began to improve. What became immediately apparent was that Backstrom was almost always in excellent position in his own end. He played like a veteran defensively for weeks before finally finding his offensive groove.

Coach Boudreau's arrival had a profound effect on Backstrom. After tallying just one goal and eight assists in 21 games under Hanlon, Backstrom broke out with five points in Gabby's first two games behind the bench. He played at nearly a point per game pace (66 points in 68 games including the playoffs) since the coaching change, elevating himself to a Calder Trophy nomination.

Intangibles

Backstrom was fortunate enough to learn from two of the best playmaking centers in recent history. Countryman Michael Nylander was able to acclimate Backstrom to the American lifestyle while imparting his playmaking skills. 

Then Sergei Fedorov came to town. A former Selke Trophy award winner for best defensive forward, Fedorov no doubt benefited Backstrom's two way abilities. Though Backstrom spent most of the year learning to fit in, his play spoke volumes. 

Future Fit

Backstrom clearly has a long, bright future ahead of him in Washington. At 20 years old, he played like a 30 year old veteran. By 22, he may play like a 30 year old superstar. If his goal scoring ability improves (and he showed very positive signs of it during the playoffs,) he will become an extremely dangerous offensive threat.

With his superior passing ability and on-ice vision, an improved shot will go a long way to keep opposing netminders off balance. This will not only open up scoring chances for himself, but will allow for more effective passing plays on odd-man rushes.

After an extremely successful move to the second line in the playoffs, it will be interesting to see if he spends the majority of next season alongside Alex Ovechkin or Alexander Semin. Or perhaps a lot of both.