The Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Mike Russo broke news that Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom underwent surgery on his elbow following the playoffs. Russo noted that the Wild can’t buyout a player’s contract unless that player has been deemed fit to play by a doctor (remember Dany Heatley was not eligible to be bought out after the 2012-13 season due to shoulder surgery). The first buyout window, which is where would have been most plausible for the Wild to buyout the 37-year-old Backstrom (see Russo’s Q&A linked above for why), closes in late June.
Minnesota Wild Goalie Niklas Backstrom Had Elbow Surgery Following Season
