Just under two years ago, this Capitals spent their first-round write choice – the fifth pick all round – in the NHL Entry Draft in Nicklas Backstrom, an 18-year-old center from Norway. Alex Ovechkin announced the pick from the actual podium at the draft, that has been held in Vancouver that calendar year.

Just over a year ago, the Truck caps held a press meeting at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington in order to announce the signing connected with Backstrom to a three-year entry level contract. Backstrom reached the States last summer to sign up in the Caps’ summer development camping, and then went through his first NHL training camp in preparation for his first season inside NHL and his first taste of North American hockey.Tampa Bay Lightning Youth Steven Stamkos Authentic Black Third Jersey 2015 Stanley Cup Patch

After somewhat of a sluggish start, Backstrom came on robust and had a terrific rookie year. He was named some sort of finalist for the NHL’s Calder Trophy, granted to the league’s top first year. Backstrom finished second to Chicago’s Patrick Kane in Calder balloting,Tampa Bay Lightning Customized Youth Authentic White Away Jersey but he joined Kane and the Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews as the a few forwards on the NHL’s '08 All-Rookie Team.

“I think it’s beneficial,” said Backstrom before the Awards Show began. “There are three people [Capitals here] and we’re all happy to be here. It’s exciting to be here. It’s going to be an existence memory.Tampa Bay Lightning Ondrej Palat Authentic Royal Blue Home Jersey 2015 Stanley Cup Patch

Backstrom finished the season together with 14 goals and he pennyless Alex Ovechkin’s single-season rookie record with 55 assists. Backstrom’s 69 points are the second-most ever using a Capitals rookie, trailing only Ovechkin’s 106 in 2005-06.Tampa Bay Lightning Steven Stamkos Authentic Royal Blue Third Jersey 2015 Stanley Cup Patch

As the season dressed in on, Backstrom paid little focus to how he was faring in the league’s rookie credit rating race. He didn’t should; Ovechkin reminded him daily of how he was faring due to that.

“I didn’t look at the rating,” said Backstrom. “The only guy who had previously been doing it was Ovie and he had been telling me. I’m here right now and I’m glad for being nominated. It’s an honour. It’s good to be here.”

As normal, Backstrom was gracious when asked as to his chances of profitable.

“I think they’re good men, too,” he said, referring to co-finalists Kane in addition to Jonathan Toews of the Blackhawks. “They did excellent for Chicago and they’re good hockey players. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter who wins.”

A teenager at the season’ohydrates outset, Backstrom scored a game-winning extra time goal against the Flyers on his 20th birthday along with improved almost daily from that point on. Even with playing nearly 100 activities – almost twice the amount they was used to playing as part of his native Sweden – Backstrom was stellar and fresh at season’ersus end. He was certainly one of Washington’s top players in the stretch drive to the 2009-2010 nfl season and he tied for the team lead with four playoff objectives.

Most observers figured Backstrom would be a great NHL player, but most did not be expecting him to be so good so quickly.

“Yeah, a little bit,” Backstrom admitted while asked if he surprised himself. “It’s gone rapid, the last couple of years. It’s long gone fast, the last year in the NHL. I’mirielle a little surprised myself, but I realize I can play hockey.