Nicklas Bäckström has often been compared to his countryman
Peter Forsberg. Forsberg is a hockey legend, this is not a comparison that should be made lightly. I will take a look at their beginnings and their first three NHL seasons to see if the comparisons are justified.
The Beginning
#21 Peter Forsberg
Peter Mattias Forsberg, known as "Foppa" in Sweden, was born July 20, 1973 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. He stands 6', 205, and is a left-shooting centerman. His father was his coach in Sweden and was the national team coach. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers with the 6th overall pick in the
1991 Enrty Draft and is considered arguably the best center in that draft. He was traded to Quebec as part of the deal that sent #1 overall pick, center
Eric Lindros, to Philly. He began his NHL career at age 21 with the Nordiques during the strike-shortened 1994-95 season in French-speaking Quebec City.
#19 Nicklas Bäckström
Nicklas Lars Bäckström, known as "Backis" in Sweden, was born November 23, 1987 in Gavle, Sweden. He stands 6'1, 210, and is a left-shooting centerman. His father,
Anders, was a New York Rangers draft pick played 10 seasons of professional hockey. He was drafted by the Washington Capitals with the 4th overall pick in the
2006 Entry Draft and is considered the best center from that draft. He began his NHL career at age 19 with the Capitals during the 2007-08 season.
Comparison: They are similarly sized players with the same handedness at the same position. Both have strong pedigrees and grew up in the Swedish system. Both were highly touted prospects and were taken very early in their respective drafts.
