Nicklas Backstrom, a Rising Hockey Star

The name Nicklas Backstrom isn't exactly a household name, but he is a rising hockey star that you may be hearing more about in 2010. Born November 23, 1987, an earlier profile listed his weight at 183 pounds, but a more recent profile listed it as 210 pounds. So, he is growing in stature as well as in hockey legends.

Backstrom started playing in a Swedish league. He expected to play in the World Junior Championships, but he also made the Swedish senior team and competed in the World Championship in Latvia in May. His skills improved in the 2006-07 season where he had 12 goals and 28 assists in 45 games. That success earned him an invitation to join the Washington Capitals, but he decided to stay in Sweden another year. In May 2007, he did sign with the Washington Capitals to play for them in the 2007-08 season. Soon after his arrival to the NHL, a key player was injured and Backstrom got his chance to play in the first line. In his second NHL season, he scored 88 points, which put him in the top ten NHL scorers. Going into the 2009-10 season, Backstrom is the number one center for the Washington Capitals. Critics say that his strengths lie in his fine technical skills, but point out that he would be an even better player if he were a stronger skater.

Backstrom's contract with the Washington Capitals expires in 2010. He has already set several records. In December it was announced that he would play for Team Sweden in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Be watching for more news about this rising star.