ARLINGTON, Va. — First Alex Ovechkin, now Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals have their two best players locked into big-money contracts for a decade.
Backstrom, a 22-year-old Swede who set career-highs with 33 goals and 68 assists this season, signed a 10-year, $67 million deal Monday. The center and Ovechkin have developed a partnership that accounted for 210 points this season, making them the top scoring teammate duo in the league.
“We now have two of maybe the top five players in the world playing on our team for many years to come,” coach Bruce Boudreau said.
Ovechkin is about to enter the third year of a $124 million, 13-year deal.
The Capitals also signed another Swede — 2009 first- round draft pick Marcus Johansson — to a three-year entry-level deal for $2.7 million.
General manager George McPhee said the 19-year-old center will be ready to compete for a roster spot next season, with Backstrom as a mentor.
“Our two Vikings,” McPhee said. “It’s always good to have Vikings.”
Footnotes.
Injured Flyers forwards Jeff Carter (foot) and Ian Laperriere (concussion) skated with the team, with Laperriere cleared for contact. General manager Paul Holmgren said the gritty forward is closer to being ready to play.
• The Panthers named Dale Tallon as the club’s new general manager, replacing Randy Sexton less than a year after he was officially named to the post.
• The Sabres agreed to terms on a one-year contract with forward Mike Grier.
• The Wild signed former Colorado College forward Chad Rau to a two-year deal.
The Associated Press
