Top Pick Slick Nick Reported Fine to Sign on Bottom Line

A Swedish hockey site reports that Nicklas Backstrom, the fourth overall pick in the 2006 entry draft, has agreed to terms on a rookie contract with the Capitals similar to those in the contract of Alexander Ovechkin. If confirmed, this is not unexpected, but his signing was not a sure thing, either.

Let the speculation begin. The Peerless thinks Backstrom will be penciled in as the number two center to start the season, between Alexander Semin and a right wing to be named later (it could be Eric Fehr, but The Peerless thinks this a long shot for three reasons – one, he’s still on the shelf with a back injury, and these things are often hard to predict; two, two rookies and a mercurial (if talented) player seems too combustible a mix for a team that needs consistency; and three, he’s likely not to be ready to assume a full scoring line role anyway).

And as for the comparisons, The Peerless is going to inject a measure of caution into the discussion. Of course, the ready comparison is to Peter Forsberg (which is cause for caution…). So, let’s compare them in their first three years in the Swedish Elite League:

Forsberg (with MoDo Hockey Ornskoldsvik):

Year 1: 23 games, 7-10-17
Year 2: 39 games, 9-19-28
Year 3: 39 games, 23-24-47
-- Team Sweden (Olympics): 8 games, 2-6-8

Backstrom (with Brynas):

Year 1: 19 games, 0-0-0
Year 2: 46 games, 10-16-26
Year 3: 45 games, 12-28-40

Forsberg played one full year and part of another with MoDo before joining Quebec in the 1994-1995 season at the age of 21. Backstrom will be joining the Caps with less SEL experience and at a younger age (he will not be 20 until November 23^rd). Before folks start conjuring images of a second Calder Trophy in three years in the Caps trophy case, let’s just let the kid settle in . . .