Nicklas Bäckström
With preternatural vision and quiet brilliance, he orchestrated one of hockey's most potent offenses for over a decade as the Washington Capitals' centerpiece.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Swedish ice hockey player·Birthday: November 23·Millennials
Biography
Nicklas Bäckström played hockey like a chess master, always several moves ahead. Drafted by a Washington Capitals team defined by a young Alex Ovechkin's explosive power, Bäckström became the perfect counterbalance: a center of sublime patience and pinpoint passing. His rookie season announced a playmaking genius, and he quickly formed one of the most lethal partnerships in NHL history with Ovechkin, feeding him passes with uncanny consistency. While others garnered louder accolades, Bäckström's value was in his cerebral, two-way game and clutch performances. For years, he was the engine of a team that dominated regular seasons but faced playoff heartbreak, until 2018 when his relentless play and critical points were instrumental in finally delivering the Stanley Cup to Washington, fulfilling a long-held promise.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Nicklas was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nicklas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Nicklas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018.
- Recorded over 1,000 career points in the NHL, primarily as a Capital.
- Led the NHL in assists during the 2014-15 season with 60.
- Won an Olympic gold medal with Sweden at the 2006 Winter Games in Turin.
Did You Know?
He won the Swedish version of 'Let's Dance' in 2022.
He played his entire 16-season NHL career with the Washington Capitals before returning to Sweden.
He and Alex Ovechkin are one of the most prolific goal-assist duos in NHL history.
“I'd rather get an assist than a goal. Seeing your linemate score, that's the best feeling.”
