Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Mon 7/22/19 3:31 PM

Backstrom will become Columbus' European Goaltending Coach, ending his professional career.
EDGE Analysis
Backstrom registered a 1.73 GAA and .921 save percentage in 15 games for Finnish club Tappara last season. Prior to heading back overseas, the netminder enjoyed a 10-year NHL career, in which he posted a 196-144-50 record with a .914 save percentage.

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Fri 6/10/16 12:09 PM

Backstrom signed a one-year contract with HIFK of Liiga on Friday, SiriusXM NHL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Backstrom spent nine seasons with the Wild and leads the franchise with 194 career wins. The 38-year-old was traded to the Flames at this year's deadline, but made just four appearances between the posts. Considering the Flames were starved for goalie help this past season and still used Backstrom sparingly, one would think the veteran has played his last game in the NHL.

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Sun 4/10/16 12:37 AM

Backstrom made 35 saves Saturday against the Wild in what may have been his last career game. He earned a 2-1 win.
EDGE Analysis
It was a fitting way to go out if that's what ends up happening. Backstrom won 413 games and is Minny's franchise leader in starts, wins and shutouts. But he didn't play at all as the team's number three man in 2015-16 until the Flames gave him some time over the last three weeks. "I still love the game, still love the work, still love to be with the guys," said Backstrom, his eyes red and his lip quivering in a post-game interview. "But you never know."

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Wed 4/6/16 4:55 PM

Backstrom will tend the goal for Saturday's matchup with Minnesota, Roger Millions of Sportsnet Calgary reports.
EDGE Analysis
Believe it or not, there was a time when Backstrom was a top-tier goalie in the world. Upon coming to the NHL in 2006-07, he posted a save percentage of .920 or greater in three consecutive seasons, and won 93 games in this period. Since then, Backstrom's play has continuously deteriorated as he's dealt with injury and age, reaching rock bottom this season. Prior to being traded on deadline day, Backstrom hadn't appeared in one game. Since arriving from Minnesota, he's played three games, which has included allowing six and five goals, respectively, in his last two outings.

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Thu 3/31/16 12:12 PM

Backstrom yielded five goals on 22 shots in relief of Jonas Hiller in an 8-3 loss to Anaheim on Wednesday.
EDGE Analysis
That's two awful games in a row for Backstrom in which he's given up 11 goals on just 49 shots, making for a sub-.800 save percentage. Odds aren't real high he'll get another start this season, leading to an offseason where he may consider retirement.

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Fri 3/25/16 1:23 AM

Backstrom was torched Thursday, giving up six goals on 29 shots in a 6-2 loss to Minnesota.
EDGE Analysis
Backstrom was unable to pick up his second win of the season against a team he spent nine campaigns with. The 38-year-old netminder most likely earned himself a spot back on the bench, but that remains to be seen in what is a lost year for Calgary.

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Thu 3/24/16 1:53 PM

Backstrom will tend the twine Thursday against Minnesota, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The FAN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Backstrom was solid in his first outing of the 2015-16 campaign as he made 21 of a possible 22 saves. The veteran, who will be a free agent this off season, gets another chance to impress both his new team and any potential suitors. It remains unclear how much ice time the netminder will get as coach Bob Hartley has yet to reveal plans for Calgary's three-headed goalie monster that includes Joni Ortio and Jonas Hiller.

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Sun 3/20/16 9:48 PM

Backstrom stopped 21 of the 22 shots he faced in Sunday's 4-1 victory in Montreal.
EDGE Analysis
Well, that was quite a debut in a Flames sweater for the 38-year-old. The game marked his start since Jan. 13, 2015, and his first victory since a shootout win over Arizona on Dec. 13, 2014. Although this victory came against a struggling Montreal team, it was still great to see the veteran recapture some of his old glory. He had a shutout going through two periods, but allowed a third-period goal to Michael McCarron. Backstrom could be a popular fantasy play when he takes the ice Thursday against the Wild, but temper your expectations. We'd have to see another strong performance in order to fully trust him moving forward.

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Sun 3/20/16 12:42 PM

Backstrom is slated to start both Sunday against the Canadiens and Thursday against the Wild, Derek Wills of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.
EDGE Analysis
Meanwhile, Jonas Hiller is in line to start for the Flames in Monday's game against the Maple Leafs. Sunday's tilt against the Habs will mark Backstrom's first NHL action since a 7-2 loss to the Penguins back on Jan. 13, 2015, while the 38-year-old played for the Wild.

Niklas Backstrom
G FA
Thu 3/17/16 3:30 PM

Backstrom is set to debut in goal Sunday against the Canadiens, Derek Wills of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.
EDGE Analysis
Backstrom was sent to Calgary prior to the trade deadline in exchange for David Jones, and will make his first impact with the Flames on Sunday. It seems likely he will see limited duty the rest of the way behind Joni Ortio, but the veteran will prepare for an Oilers club Sunday that's struggled to light the lamp consistently so far in March.