Backstrom Gets a Big Deal

The Washington Capitals held a press conference today to announce the good news that the team has signed elite center Nicklas Backstrom to a long-term (10 years to be exact) contract, worth a reported $67 million. The uber-talented young Swede finished this season fourth atop league standings with an impressive 101 points. Nicky also gets an A+ for attendance and has never missed an NHL game (246 games).  Backstrom has joined Wayne Gretzky and Peter Stastny as the only players in NHL history with 55 or more assists in each of their first three seasons in the league. Only five players have had more than Backstrom’s 189 assists in three seasons, and his 258 points are the most of any Capital besides teammate Ovechkin (310) in his first three years. Henrik Sedin and Joe Thornton are the only players with more assists than Backstrom in the last three seasons.

HM is certain Nick will recieve a congratulatory call today from his best pal and running mate Ovi, who is currently lighting it up at the IIHF World Championships. A huge Hockey Mom toast to Nick on his well-deserved contract - you are well-loved among the Caps faithful and we are so proud to have such an outstanding young talent here in DC! Look for more from Hockey Mom on the conference finals and other random musings later today...