Wild re-sign Niklas Backstrom

LemaireisGOD · 06-07-2007, 06:43 PM

The State of Hockey News | MVN - Most Valuable Network » Blog Archive » Wild re-sign goaltender Niklas Backstrom

Wild re-sign goaltender Niklas Backstrom

By Derek Felska | June 7th, 2007

The Minnesota Wild demonstrated their commitment to strong goaltending by re-signing Niklas Backstrom to a two-year deal worth $6.2 million. An interesting aspect of the deal is that it does include a no-trade clause. The 29-year old Backstrom had a stellar season for the Wild compiling an impressive 23-8-6 record, and a league’s best 1.97 goals against average, and .929 save percentage. The team no doubt felt the pressure of the approaching July 1st deadline to sign Backstrom so he would not become an unrestricted free agent. The modest, calm Finn’s strong play last season earned him rave reviews from the Wild’s coaching staff and players.

Backstrom’s signing only adds fuel to the already firery drama surround the team and its ‘other’ goaltender Manny Fernandez. Fernandez has made some comments to the media where he seems to feel as if the players and coaches have not been as supportive as they should be. Yet, the fact remains that Fernandez still has two years left on his contract at $4.3 million per season. One of Fernandez’ comments was that he wished to “break free of the chains” and Backstrom’s signing may have gone a long way to grant him his wish before his contract expires. There has been some speculation about teams desperate for goaltenders; like Phoenix, Florida, Los Angeles, and Detroit perhaps involved in a trade with the Wild. The Wild have some other holes it would like to fill; another Top 4 defenseman of the physical variety, a skilled centre for the 1st line, or a gritty winger. Moving Fernandez’s would go a long way to being able to add that extra player. While it might seem as if the Wild are going to try to shop Fernandez, there are rumors floating around (mainly through cyberspace) the team might wish to keep him around. So far though its basically been “mum’s the word” on Fernandez being moved if you listen to what Wild General Manager Doug Risebrough has been saying. Perhaps this is an attempt to try to raise Fernandez’ trade value which was damaged by his inflammatory comments.

Niklas Backstrom and Manny Fernandez combined to win the Jennings Trophy this season as the league’s best tandem. Despite the teamwork it took to win the trophy, Fernandez definately does not wish to play 2nd fiddle to anyone at this point his career, and he barely tolerated it when Dwayne Roloson was with the team. With a goaltender like Fernandez who seems unhappy and unwilling to play a supporting role the team may have no other choice than to deal him. The sooner this drama ends, the better for the team as it can move forward in filling the other holes the team has.

06-07-2007, 06:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
LemaireisGOD Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 504	Wild re-sign Niklas Backstrom The State of Hockey News \| MVN - Most Valuable Network » Blog Archive » Wild re-sign goaltender Niklas Backstrom Wild re-sign goaltender Niklas Backstrom By Derek Felska \| June 7th, 2007 The Minnesota Wild demonstrated their commitment to strong goaltending by re-signing Niklas Backstrom to a two-year deal worth $6.2 million. An interesting aspect of the deal is that it does include a no-trade clause. The 29-year old Backstrom had a stellar season for the Wild compiling an impressive 23-8-6 record, and a league’s best 1.97 goals against average, and .929 save percentage. The team no doubt felt the pressure of the approaching July 1st deadline to sign Backstrom so he would not become an unrestricted free agent. The modest, calm Finn’s strong play last season earned him rave reviews from the Wild’s coaching staff and players. Backstrom’s signing only adds fuel to the already firery drama surround the team and its ‘other’ goaltender Manny Fernandez. Fernandez has made some comments to the media where he seems to feel as if the players and coaches have not been as supportive as they should be. Yet, the fact remains that Fernandez still has two years left on his contract at $4.3 million per season. One of Fernandez’ comments was that he wished to “break free of the chains” and Backstrom’s signing may have gone a long way to grant him his wish before his contract expires. There has been some speculation about teams desperate for goaltenders; like Phoenix, Florida, Los Angeles, and Detroit perhaps involved in a trade with the Wild. The Wild have some other holes it would like to fill; another Top 4 defenseman of the physical variety, a skilled centre for the 1st line, or a gritty winger. Moving Fernandez’s would go a long way to being able to add that extra player. While it might seem as if the Wild are going to try to shop Fernandez, there are rumors floating around (mainly through cyberspace) the team might wish to keep him around. So far though its basically been “mum’s the word” on Fernandez being moved if you listen to what Wild General Manager Doug Risebrough has been saying. Perhaps this is an attempt to try to raise Fernandez’ trade value which was damaged by his inflammatory comments. Niklas Backstrom and Manny Fernandez combined to win the Jennings Trophy this season as the league’s best tandem. Despite the teamwork it took to win the trophy, Fernandez definately does not wish to play 2nd fiddle to anyone at this point his career, and he barely tolerated it when Dwayne Roloson was with the team. With a goaltender like Fernandez who seems unhappy and unwilling to play a supporting role the team may have no other choice than to deal him. The sooner this drama ends, the better for the team as it can move forward in filling the other holes the team has. __________________ "Why mess around with PT Boats when you can have a Destroyer?" ~ Al Strachan (Hockey Night in Canada)