Overview

• Backstrom signed a one-year contract with Brynäs IF that includes an option for a second season to resume his SHL career after nearly two years away.
• Swedish head coach Sam Hallam said he will monitor Backstrom’s on-ice performance and health before deciding on Olympic roster selections.
• Veteran teammates Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson publicly endorsed Backstrom as a potential Olympic pick if he returns to form.
• Backstrom must compete with elite NHL centers such as Elias Pettersson, Mika Zibanejad, Joel Eriksson Ek, Leo Carlsson and William Karlsson for a 2026 roster spot.
• Recovering from June 2022 hip resurfacing surgery, the 37-year-old aims to leverage his veteran leadership to bolster Brynäs IF’s push for another SHL title.