Washington Capitals: Top 5 greatest centers of all-time
#1 Nicklas Backstrom
Nicklas Backstrom is number 19 in your programs and number one both on this list and in your hearts. He’s the number one playmaking center of all time. He’s also one of the most skilled passers and finished last season with 38 assists. He would’ve easily had 50 if the season was longer, 82 games and not 56.
Backstrom has gone on to become the Capitals all time franchise leaders in assists and is second all time in franchise points behind Alex Ovechkin. Backstrom also became the second player in Capitals history to suit up for 1,000 games all with the Caps. Ovechkin introduced Backstrom as their first round draft pick on stage in 2006.
Backstrom recorded his first NHL point by assisting on a goal by Michael Nylander against the Atlanta Thrashers. His rookie campaign skyrocketed once he got bumped up to the top line with Ovechkin where the two would become inseparable.
More. Washington Capitals: Evgeny Kuznetsov will be the biggest surprise of 2021. light
In addition to 38 assists, Backstrom had 15 goals. In his career with the Caps he has recorded 980 points with 258 goals and 722 assists. He could reach 1,000 points this upcoming season. Backstrom is easily the best center to suit up in a Washington Capitals uniform and it’s no doubt he finished number one on this list.