Backstrom was named to Team Sweden's preliminary World Cup roster Wednesday, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Not a surprise as Backstrom has represented "tres kronor" in past tournaments and is one of the better playmakers in the NHL ranks. Riding a three-game point streak (four assists), the 28-year-old pivot has 17 goals and 58 points in 59 games this season, his fourth straight 40+ assist campaign.