The Washington Capitals ensured that one of the greatest players in franchise history will finish out his prime years right where it all began.

On Tuesday, the team announced that they have agreed to a five-year, $46 million contract with center Nicklas Backstrom. The 32-year-old was slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Backstrom was drafted fourth overall by the Capitals in 2006, and he's emerged as a franchise changing superstar. Entering play on Tuesday, he had 240 goals and 908 points for his career.

The standout center played an instrumental part in helping the Capitals win their first ever Stanley Cup in 2018, where they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Dating back to the 2007-08 season, Backstrom and the Capitals have won three Presidents' Trophies, and they've only missed the playoffs once.

Backstrom's $9.2 million cap hit for 2020-21 will place him ninth among the highest-paid centers, per CapFriendly.com. Backstrom's current deals carries a bargain cap hit of $6.7 million.

Over the past decade, Backstrom and franchise icon Alexander Ovechkin have emerged as one of the greatest scoring duos in league history. Backstrom has played a pivotal role in helping Ovechkin grow into a consistent 50-goal scorer.

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Backstrom recorded a career-best 101-point season in 2009-10. He has hit the 80-point mark three times, and the 70-point mark eight times. At this rate, Backstrom has probably done more than enough to earn a Hockey Hall of Fame induction when his career ends.

With Backstrom re-signed, the Capitals are right up against the cap. The expectation is that they will move on from All-Star goalie Braden Holtby, who will probably price himself out of D.C. this offseason. Not only that, but the Capitals also have a rising superstar goaltender in Ilya Samsonov, who has outplayed Holtby this season.

But that's all for another day. The Capitals simply have to be pleased with getting Backstrom under contract for the next five years.

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