Photo: WaPo

On Tuesday morning, the Washington Capitals re-signed center Nicklas Backstrom to a five-year, $46 million contract. Backstrom told Aftonbladet, a Swedish newspaper, how much this new deal means to him and his future in Washington.

“I am very satisfied,” the 32-year old said. “I could probably have gotten a higher salary if I waited and tried the free market this summer; however, I didn’t want to take that risk. It’s important for me to stay in Washington my entire career.”

Backstrom was asked if was hard to negotiate by himself. “No, I don’t think so. There have been some discussions back and forth, but I think it went well.

“I am happy with the contract and thankful that the Capitals have agreed to sign it already. I’m happy that it is over so that I don’t have to think about it,” Backstrom added.

“Maybe I would have been able to get a higher salary if I waited and went out and tested the free market this summer,” he said, “But I did not want to take that risk.”

He appreciates the organization and city. “It’s important for me to stay in Washington. It has become me and my family’s home for the last thirteen years. I also want to play for the Capitals for the rest of my career. It is not often you stay in the same team for this long. I value that a lot.”

Lastly, he was asked about the club’s success and continuing that momentum in the coming years. “Yeah, it feels like we are still in a good position and also having new, talented players joining.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the future here,” Backstrom concluded.

By Della Young

Translation by Sofie Bengsston