... and running the webpage through a free online translator tells us all we need to know:
My initial reaction was one of disappointment. I guess I would have liked to have seen Slick Nick display the same burning desire to conquer the North American game at the earliest possible date that Alex Ovechkin displayed from the word go last year. But Backstrom, the fourth overall pick in last month's Entry Draft (and by most accounts the most NHL-ready), is not Ovechkin, and hopefully another year of development in Europe as a big fish in a smaller pond will be best for him - and more importantly the Caps - in the long run. And don't forget that, due to the lockout, Ovechkin had a year of hockey in perhaps the most competitive professional league in the world (that was playing hockey) after being drafted before making his NHL debut last October. In essence, Backstrom will be doing the same. So after sitting on it for a few minutes, I'm fine with the decision and will anxiously await his North American debut.
Besides, can you blame a guy for not wanting to leave this?
UPDATE: Confirmation from the Caps' website:
The team learned Monday that center Nicklas Backstrom, the team’s top choice (fourth overall) in last month’s 2006 NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver, will not come to North America for the 2006-07 season. Backstrom has opted to remain in his native Sweden and play another season for Brynas of the Swedish Elite League.UPDATE: And here's even more for those of you who can read Swede.
UPDATE: The WaPo's got a story on Backstrom's decision here, the WTimes here.
[Hat tip to CapitalGoodie for the pointer]
2 comments:
Here's a rough translation of The Brynas.se article:
A very important piece of the puzzle is now onboard for this season.
Last years first-line center Nicklas Bäckström has told the club that he will play for Brynäs the upcoming season.
- I feel very good about making this decision (to stay), says Nicklas.
Brynäs Director of Player Personnel Micke Sundlöf says he is also happy with Nicklas decision to play in Sweden for another season.
- We've discussed this with Nicklas and his advisors (agent/dad) for a long time, hoping that we could persuade him to stay.
After the draft, where Bäckström was selected fourth overall by The Washington Capitals, we tried to find a mutual solution that means that Nicklas can continue to grow and mature as a hockey player.
The rest of the article is just some corporate propaganda on how wonderful it is to have Bäckström onboard for the opening of their new arena.
Hope it helps.
Ingmar
Great stuff - thanks!
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