Christian Backman is a professional hockey player originally from Sweden. He currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League. In November of 2008, it was rumored that the Blue Jackets may look to trade Backman.The Fourth Period: Blue Jackets Looking to Deal?

Backman began his career playing for the Vastra Frolunda HC in the Elitserien, or Swedish Elite League, in 1998. That same year he was drafted 24th overall in the NHL draft by the St. Louis Blues. Backman continued to play in Sweden until 2002, when he came to the United States and joined the Worcester IceCats in the American Hockey League. Backman also made his NHL debut with the Blues that same season, playing four games. He played 66 regular season games plus five playoff games with the Blues during the 2003-04 season. Backman then returned to the Elitserien during the 2004-05 NHL lockout. Shortly after returning to the U.S. from the lockout, Backman joined the Swedish Team in the 2006 Winter Olympics, helping the team bring home the gold medal. After nearly four seasons in St. Louis, he was traded to the New York Rangers on February 26, 2008. Prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, Backman was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets.