Among the players in the league who have averaged a point per game in their first five seasons, Nicklas Backstrom is a forgotten man. The Washington Capitals playmaker has the misfortune of sharing a name with Finnish and Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstom. He also shares the ice and locker room with larger than life star Alex Ovechkin.

Ovechkin’s numbers have declined and his style of play has brought in to question whether or not he wants to even continue in the NHL.  So it’s no coincidence that the Washington left winger has suffered in part because of Backstrom’s recent injuries. While he was out with a concussion for almost half of last season, Ovechkin suffered through his worst statistical season as a pro.

When Backstrom played he was still good for 44 points in 42 games played last year, but serious questions remain as to whether he really is the center who posted 101 points in 2009-10. After posting career highs in goals, assists and points, Backstrom fell off in 2010-11 with career lows in points and assists. A promising start to last season was derailed when Backstrom took a head shot against Calgary in January.

He seemed to return to form, at least to a degree, in the Capital’s brief playoff run. The defensive style of then-coach Dale Hunter coupled with the tighter checking of the playoff made it hard to gauge whether he has truly gotten his “mojo” back. A full-ish season under new Capitals coach Adam Oates could reveal whether or not the Swedish playmaker and his Russian pal Ovechkin still have their magical connection.

Nick Backstrom was once in the conversation for elite centers in the NHL. There are more than a couple red flags that could make him a fantasy (and reality) disappointment. I choose to think of my glass half full, and think that both Backstrom and Ovechkin will come back huge when the season finally gets underway. Look for him to once again knock on the door of the best centers in the NHL with another big season.