Former Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom may not have played for the last two seasons, but he hasn't missed a beat.
Starting anew with his hometown team, Brynäs IF, in the SHL, Backstrom is looking a lot like his usual, vintage self and put on a show in a preseason game against Timrå IK.
The 37-year-old recorded two assists in a 4-1 win, including this highlight-reel saucer pass to former Anaheim Ducks winger Jakob Silfverberg on a power play.
Backstrom signed a contract with Brynäs earlier this summer, marking his return to professional hockey after missing his final two seasons with the Capitals due to ongoing complications following hip resurfacing surgery.
"Right now, my body feels great. I've been on the ice all summer. I feel ready to take on that task," Backstrom said of returning, adding, "It's hard to say, but I myself feel that I’m hopefully a good hockey player and can contribute as much as possible."
Back in his home country of Sweden, Backstrom is also playing with a handful of former Washington teammates, including Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, Christian Djoos and Michal Kempny, as well as Capitals prospect Aron Dahlqvist.