Johan Backlund

Johan Bäcklund

Skellefteå AIKArticle in Sveriges RadioRead the sourceClose is Johan Bäcklund’s formative club. He returned to the club in 2016Article in Sveriges RadioRead the sourceClose after 13 years away and recorded a shutout against DjurgårdenDjurgårdenDjurgården, short for Djurgårdens IF, is a sports club in Stockholm. Here, the name refers to its ice hockey team, which has developed many Swedish NHL players.Close on March 3.

During his first AHL season, Bäcklund explained in a profile published in October 2009 how smaller North AmericanArticle in AHLRead the sourceClose rinks changed the shooting angles and the positions from which shooters could score. Jeff Reese helped him adapt his goaltending to North American conditionsArticle in AHLRead the sourceClose.

In the same 2009 profile, Greg Gilbert praised Bäcklund’s composure and efficient goaltending, particularly his ability to stay square to shotsArticle in AHLRead the sourceClose. Reese praised his movement and his ability to recover his position after a saveArticle in AHLRead the sourceClose.