Backstrom Out, Callup Coming for Minnesota Wild

Nov 13, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom (32) is looked at by a team trainer during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Wild held a “very optional” practice today. Neither Niklas Backstrom or Mikael Granlund were on the ice today. Backstrom is out for tomorrow, but it appears Granlund’s absence was just a precaution on the Wild’s part. Minnesota is 8-1-1 in their past 10 games and 8-1-2 at home so far this season. A healthy Granlund has been a huge part of the team’s winning ways, and they’re going to do whatever they can to make sure he’s healthy and ready to go.

Josh Harding also did not participate in the skate as he exercised the option not to skate. He’s going to need all the rest he can get if Backstrom is going to be out for any length of time. It’s unknown as of right now who will get the call between Darcy Kuemper and Johan Gustafsson.

Sorry for the short post, but you’ve caught me coming from class and headed to work for the rest of the day. I will be checking Twitter for all the latest updates and will tweet/retweet them as they come. Follow me @Dakota_case.