Observations:

October 2017 – After not being qualified by Dallas, Backman has signed in Austria.

August 2016 – Mattias signed a two-way contract this summer which will keep him around for another year. Backman was close to going back to Sweden, but will stick around for at least one more year. It’s going to be difficult for him to make the roster. Backman doesn’t carry a lot of fantasy value, he’s more of a stay-at-home blueliner, so he’s only relevant in deep leagues. He’ll begin the year with the Texas Stars in the AHL. –Matt Kowalski

May 2016 – Just days after his AHL team was eliminated by the San Diego Gulls, the pending RFA was already thinking about next year. "My contract ends this year, so I have to make a decision if I'm coming back next year or not. I don't know, we'll see." That doesn't sound like someone eager to return to Cedar Park. He likely sees the writing on the wall with Johns, Honka and Lindell ahead of him on the depth chart. Unless Stars' management is high on Backman and can convince him to stay, it appears he will head back to Sweden, probably for good. Stay tuned. Brad Phillips

March 2016 – Backman's second go round in the AHL has been an unqualified success. His 25 points are good for third among Texas defensemen and his plus-22 placed him 10th overall in the AHL. Those offensive numbers might not seem all that impressive, but since the calendar has switched to 2016 he has put up 17 points in 28 games. Playing mostly on the second pairing, Backman has typically been deployed against the opposing team's top players which makes his plus-minus all the more impressive. It's hard to know where exactly Backman fits in long term with Dallas as they are flush with defensive prospects and Esa Lindell directly in his path on the LHD depth chart. Depending on what Dallas does in free agency this summer as there could be an opportunity for Backman to earn a spot in camp next seasons as Alex Goligoski, Kris Russell and Jordie Benn are all pending UFA's. Brad Phillips

September 2015 – Mattias Backman has been assigned to the AHL's Texas Stars. It will be very telling to see how Backman handles the assignment. Last year Backman only lasted 18 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins before packing up his toys and going back home to Sweden over issues with his playing time and rumours that he was fitting in with his team mates. He's certainly saying all the right things and has the right attitude. But Backman will face tough competition for top four minutes in Cedar Park with Honka, Lindell and Johns also beginning the year in the AHL. This year is all about how Backman handles the challenge. Brad Phillips

March 2015 – As part of the Erik Cole package coming from Detroit, Mattias Backman (along with Mattas Janmark and a 2015 2nd rd pick) joins the Dallas Stars. In 23 games with Linkoping of the SHL, Backman has four goals and 16 points. Brendan Ross

March 2014 – Backman just finished up another productive regular season for Linkoping showcasing his solid defensive play finishing with an impressive plus- 25 rating. Proving he's not just limited to defense Backman set a career high with six goals from the backend and finished tied for sixth on team scoring with 21 points in 58 games played. Backman and Linkoping are currently deadlocked at one game a piece with second seeded Frolunda in the SEL playoffs and are hoping for a second consecutive upset after knocking off MODO in the first round to advance to the Quarter-finals. After back-to-back successful campaigns Backman has given Red Wings management another body to consider adding to the back end for the 2015 season. Travis Watson

April 2013 – Mattias Backman is a mobile defenceman that is known for his veteran-like poise. His combination of elite vision and good defensive position makes him a great two-way defender. He is currently in his second season with Linkoping in the SEL. This season he posted two goals and 24 assists in 57 games, playing alongside veteran and one-time NHLer Magnus Johansson. During the World Juniors in 2012, he was known for his great defensive awareness away from the puck, playing a quiet but integral role on the team. His style of play fits perfectly with Detroit’s system and he channels shades of a young Nik Lidstrom with his simple game. Kevin won

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Backman failed to make the jump from the AHL to the NHL and has gone back to Europe. He no longer has fantasy value.

Footage:

Backman finishes off the slick passing sequence to seal the win:

{youtube}hPLosoZXa00{/youtube}

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

{source}

{/source}