Niklas Backstrom, Goaltending Coach

Former NHL netminder Niklas Backstrom joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as European goaltending coach in July 2019 before being named the goaltending coach for the NHL club in June 2023.

Backstrom, 45, posted a 196-144-50 record with a 2.49 goals-against average (GAA), .914 save percentage (SV%) and 28 shutouts in 413 games over 10 NHL seasons with the Minnesota Wild and Calgary Flames from 2006-16. He captured the William Jennings Trophy in his first year in 2006-07 after leading the league in GAA (1.97) and SV% (.929). He played in the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and led the NHL in wins in 2012-13 with a 24-15-3 mark, 2.48 GAA, .909 SV% and two shutouts in 42 games.

Backstrom retired following the 2018-19 campaign after a 21-year playing career across several leagues, including the NHL, SHL and Liiga. He captured Urpo Ylonen Award as the Liiga's best goaltender while with Karpat in 2003- 04 and 2004-05 and was named the Finnish Player of the Year in 2004-05.

Born in Helsinki, Finland, Backstrom finished his playing career with HIFK and Tappara in Liiga. He represented Finland in various international tournaments, including the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Games, 2005 and 2008 IIHF World Championships and 1998 IIHF World Junior Championships.

He and his wife, Heidi, are the parents of two children, Benjamin and Isabella.