For years, Capitals fans have known just how special center Nicklas Backstrom truly is. From his first NHL point to his 500th career assist this season, Backstrom has been one of the NHL’s most consistent point producers and most underrated players. And after recording his 700th career point tonight, it’s time the entire league pays attention.

Drafted fourth overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Backstrom is the fourth player in franchise history to reach 700 points, joining longtime linemate Alex Ovechkin, Peter Bondra, and Mike Gartner. He is also the eighth-fastest active player to reach that milestone (in 707 career games), joining Sidney Crosby (497 games), Jaromir Jagr (557), Ovechkin (579), Evgeni Malkin (580), Patrick Kane (696), Jason Spezza (700), and Joe Thornton (706).

Backstrom’s 700th point would come on a power play goal by T.J. Oshie in the first period of Saturday night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. The goal was also T.J. Oshie’s 400th point.

Backstrom has been on a tear as of late, recording 10 points in his last six games (three goals, seven assists), and is tied for third in the NHL in points. He also ranks second in assists. Backstrom’s hallmark talent has been his ability to maintain control of and passing the puck.

Backstrom is the Capitals’ franchise leader in assists and is fourth in points, behind Gartner’s 789. At just 29-years old, it’s likely Backstrom continues to climb the franchise record books and continues to cement himself as one of the best to ever don a Capitals sweater.

NoVa Caps congratulates Nicklas on this historic milestone!

By Michael Fleetwood