NIKLAS
BACKSTROM
G
Ht/Wt
6’2’’,
192 lbs
Catches
L
Experience
10
years
Debut
Oct 7, 2006
Born
Feb 13, 1978
(46 yrs)
Helsinki, Finland
Signed
Signed by Minnesota in 2006.
Transactions & Injuries
| Date | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-07-22 |
Announced his retirement.
|
|
| 2016-06-10 |
Signed with the HIFK Helsinki of the Liiga (Finland).
|
|
| 2016-02-29 |
Acquired from the Minnesota Wild.
|
The Minnesota Wild acquired winger David Jones from the Calgary Flames for goaltender Niklas Backstrom and a sixth-round draft pick in 2016. |
| 2014-12-31 |
Missed 3 games (illness).
|
|
| 2014-12-27 |
Illness, injured reserve.
|
Career Honors & Awards
| League | Honor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NHL | William M. Jennings Trophy Lowest goals-against | 2006-07 (shared with Manny Fernandez) |
| NHL | Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award Best save percentage | 2006-07 |
| Olympic | Olympic Bronze Medal Olympic Bronze Medal | 2010 (Finland) |
Scouting Report
With very good technique and sound positioning, he was cool under pressure. Incredibly consistent, he owned a wealth of high-level experience, including Internationally for his native Finland. Was severely injury-prone for a goaltender. Lacked quickness and optimum lateral mobility. Also lacked improvisational skills, since he had a tendency to rely too much on his positioning and technique.
Long Range Potential: Fragile, technical goaltender.
