After good seasons with both Grums IK and Bofors IK in Allsvenskan Bäcker was signed by the Swedish Elite club Färjestads BK in 2001. But, by that time, his talent had also been spotted also another club, the NHL club Detroit Red Wings, who had drafted him one year earlier in the Entry Draft (6th round/187 pick overall). After a mediocre regular season with Färjestad he had great success in the playoffs when he scored 6 points in 10 games and helped Färjestad win their sixth Swedish Championship.