Nicklas Backstrom made his big return to DC this week as he prepares for his 17th NHL season. If all goes well in training camp, Backstrom’s campaign will begin on October 13 as the Capitals face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins and their prized offseason acquisition, Erik Karlsson.
Before leaving Washington, Backstrom commented on Karlsson’s deal to the Metropolitan Division with Hockeynews.se.
The two may be friendly, but Backstrom won’t be easyfront.
“It’s fun for him, of course,” Backstrom SAYS as translated by Google Translate. “From what I understand, he wants to move. It’s great, I’m looking forward to meeting more Erik Karlsson. Then I will cut him in the calves.”
Backstrom’s comments come nearly two weeks after Tom Wilson made his own silly, but semi-threatening comments to Karlsson.
“Karlsson is obviously an elite talent and someone who, as a hockey player, you always love to watch play,” Wilson said. “He’s super skilled and does things at the next level. But at the end of the day, he’s a rival now and we’re going to try and make his life tough there as a Capital.
“There’s always a rivalry,” he added. “It’s always fun playing with those guys. As long as Sid and Ovi play, it’s always a special night, and one you circle on the calendar. So it would be cool to have [Karlsson] be a part of that rivalry.”
Karlsson arrives in Pittsburgh after a career year in 2022-23 with the San Jose Sharks. Karlsson surpassed the 100 point plateau for the first time in a season, tallying 101 points (26g, 76a) in 82 games. The 33-year-old Swede earned the third Norris Trophy of his career at the end of the season.
Backstrom and Karlsson are longtime friends and teammates at Tre Kronor, playing in the 2012 World Championship, 2014 Sochi Olympics (where Sweden won silver), and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The two Swedish superstars have been golfing and vacationing in Scotland in the past.
During the interview, Backstrom also expressed his desire, like many in the NHLPA, to see NHL players participate more in international tournaments. The NHL is currently in talks with the NHLPA about returning to the Olympics in 2026 and making World Cup of Hockey-type tournaments more regular in the future.
“It’s very clear that it’s necessary for hockey,” Backstrom said. “Hopefully, after everything that has come with COVID and the Olympic tournaments that are difficult for NHL players, I’m sure many will want to stand up and play for the national team because it’s something special to win for in your country.
“The Stanley Cup is great to win and a great achievement in a season, but winning for your country is also special.”
As for the Capitals who missed the playoffs last season and its aging core is still a year old, Backstrom is optimistic that the Capitals can bounce back.
“We’ve got a little bit left in the tank and that’s where we’re going,” he said. “We want to win again and we have been talking about it for a long time. That we want to have another chance to win and we will do everything for that. Age probably plays a small role, but I think the mental aspect is more important. “
Header image: Alan Dobbins/RMNB