Wild's Backstrom keeping options open, distractions at bay
Niklas Backstrom knows where he stands.
Expected to be the third goaltender for the Minnesota Wild, Backstrom has prepared for every scenario this season. The 37-year-old Finn has recovered from elbow surgery and readily can step in should Vezina Trophy finalist Devan Dubnyk or backup Darcy Kuemper suffers an injury.
In addition, given Minnesota's depth in net, Backstrom knows that he may find himself traded to another NHL team or shipped overseas to continue his career in Europe.
"I don't know if I can worry too much about what happens tomorrow," Backstrom told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I'm just focusing on today and make sure I get the work in. Sometimes it would be easy to get distracted and think about a lot of things, but I don't think that’s going to help you."
Backstrom posted just a 5-7-3 mark with a 3.05 goals-against average and .887 save percentage last season. The Wild's all-time winningest goaltender, Backstrom owns a 194-142-50 career record with 28 shutouts and a 2.48 goals-against average.
Signed to a six-year, $26 million deal in the summer, Dubnyk secured a 27-9-2 mark with five shutouts, a 1.78 goals-against average and .936 save percentage in 39 games with the Wild. The 29-year-old Saskatchewan native was acquired from the Arizona Coyotes on Jan. 14 for a third-round pick.
(h/t Minneapolis Star Tribune)
