Nicklas Backstrom is a Swedish center on the Washington Capitals.

Backstrom was drafted 4th overall in 2006 by the Capitals, after playing with Bryans IF of the Swedish Elitserien. He played another season in the Elitserien after being drafted, in which he posted 40 points in 45 games. His rookie season in 2007-08 was impressive after he was paired with superstar Alexander Ovechkin. He finished with 14 goals and 55 assists, for 69 points. He narrowly missed winning the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year, losing to Chicago sensation Patrick Kane.

Backstrom has played for Sweden 5 times in his career, winning a gold medal at the 2006 World Championships when he was only 18. He played in the 2006 and 2007 World Junior tournaments, and the 2007 and 2008 World Championships.