Nicklas Backstrom interview to Sport-Express

Alexander Rogulev, SE, was able to reach Nicklas Backstrom via the phone, after Nicklas signed the contract with Dynamo.

When can we see you on the ice in Dynamo's jersey?
First, you need to settle with all the formalities and to spend at least one training session with my new partners. You have to understand that I need to get to know the guys and the coaches. As of the first game... It all depends on the coaching staff. When the management decide that I'm ready to play for the new club, I will show up in the lineup.

How can you evaluate your current form?
I was on the ice in Washington, but of course I don't have any serious playing practice.

How much your Washington Capitals teammate Alexander Ovechkin was involved in this transition?
It makes no sense to hide that I called Alex and asked his advice. Still Russia is an unknown country for me. Ovie was very useful and helpful. But even without him I knew that Dynamo is one of the elite clubs in the league, and Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Dynamo is the League's playoff champion, and it says a lot. Also my compatriot Rihard Gyunge plays for Dynamo, and I know him since the days when I played in Sweden.

Does it bother you that the negotiations between the NHL and the players union have intensified? The lockout can end, and then you have to fly back ...
What is the point to wonder when the parties will finally come to an agreement? Maybe tomorrow, maybe next year. I really missed hockey. I can't wait to get back on skates, pick up a stick and start to score for my new team. Dynamo's offer was just what I needed, and the last thing I was thinking about were negotiations between the NHL and the union...

Here's what Gleb Chistyakov, who is Swedish forward's agent, said, "Dynamo has expressed their interest in Backstrom long time ago. It took some time for Nicklas to agree to move to Russia. So this decision was not spontaneous. But when it was taken, we quickly agreed with the management of Dynamo on all issues. It will be interesting to see again Backstrom - Ovechkin duo. This time it will be in Russia."

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