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Niklas Oskar BackstromFinnish goalkeeper (NHL)
Date of Birth: 13.02.1978
Country:  Finland |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- NHL Debut and Success
- William Jennings Trophy Winners
- NHL Star
- Contract Extension
- Record-Setting Season
- Injury and Recovery
- Olympic Inclusion
Early Life and Career
Niklas Oskar Bäckström was born in Helsinki, Finland, on February 13, 1978. He began his professional hockey career in the Finnish SM-liiga, playing for HIFK, SaiPa, and Kärpät.
NHL Debut and Success
In 2006, Bäckström joined the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League as a backup goalie. However, due to an injury to starting goalie Manny Fernandez, Bäckström stepped up and became the team's primary netminder for the second half of the season.
William Jennings Trophy Winners
In his first full season as a starter, Bäckström shared the William Jennings Trophy with Fernandez after allowing the fewest goals in the league. He also won the award the following season for the best save percentage (92.9%).
NHL Star
In 2008, Bäckström was named the NHL's First Star of the Week after a 4-0 shutout against the St. Louis Blues, in which he saved all 22 shots faced.
Contract Extension
Before the following season, Bäckström was set to become an unrestricted free agent. However, he signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the Wild on July 1, 2009, putting an end to rumors of him leaving the team.
Record-Setting Season
In 2009, Bäckström broke the Minnesota Wild record for most games played by a goalie in a season, previously held by Manny Fernandez at 58 games. He played his 59th game against the St. Louis Blues.
Injury and Recovery
During the 2010 season, Bäckström suffered a hip injury that forced him to miss six games. He underwent successful surgery and made a faster-than-expected recovery, returning to the Wild's net for a game against the Phoenix Coyotes.
Olympic Inclusion
In 2010, Bäckström was named to Finland's Olympic hockey team alongside fellow goalkeepers Miikka Kiprusoff of Calgary and Antero Niittymäki of Tampa Bay.
