Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender Niklas Backstrom plays for the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League.
Backstrom signed a four-year contract extension with the Wild on March 3, 2009. the contract is reportedly worth $24 million.ESPN.com: Wild Keep Goalie Backstrom
Playing Career
Backstrom began his career in Finland, playing for the HIFK Helsinki starting in 1994. He switched to the Elitserien in Sweden for one season in 2001 before returning to the SM-Liiga in Finland for four seasons starting in 2002. On June 1, 2006, Backstrom signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Wild. He was selected to take over for injured goaltender Manny Fernandez and played 41 games his first season in the league. Backstrom and Fernandez shared the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2007, for the goaltenders with the best goals-against average in the NHL.
Career Highlights
- 2004: Jari Kurri Trophy, top player in the SM-Liiga playoffs
- 2004: Urpo YI nen Trophy, top goaltender in the SM-Liiga
- 2005: Jari Kurri Trophy
- 2005: Urpo YI nen Trophy
- 2006: Winter Olympics, silver medal
- 2007: William M. Jennings Trophy
- 2007: Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award, best save percentage in the NHL
Timeline
Niklas Backstrom Vital Stats
- Mahalo's Guide to Minnesota Wild
- ESPN.com: Career Stats
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 196
- Rookie Year: 2006
Niklas Backstrom Timeline
February 13, 1978 Born
2004: Euro Hockey Tour
2004 : Awarded Jari Kurri Trophy and Urpo YI nen Trophy
2006: On Team Finland for Winter Olympics
2006: Signed with Minnesota Wild
2007: William M. Jennings Trophy and the Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award
Niklas Backstrom Merchandise
NHL.com: Wild Shop
Live Product Search: Niklas Backstrom
MSN Shopping: Minnesota Wild Merchandise
eBay: Niklas Backstrom
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References
Fast Facts
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Full name
Niklas Oskar Backstrom
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Born
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Birthplace
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Nickname
Nik
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Height
6' 1"
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Weight
196 lbs.
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Position
Goaltender
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Saves
Left
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Fact:
Joined the NHL as a free agent in 2006
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Fact:
