Backstrom (elbow) made 28 saves in a shutout exhibition win Tuesday over Winnipeg. He played all three periods and overtime in his first game since Jan. 13.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom underwent surgery in May to address nerve damage in his right elbow, an injury that was so severe that it prevented him from moving two of his fingers during the Wild's first-round series against the Blackhawks. In the summer there was some thought the Wild may be able to put Backstrom on long-term IR, but he looks healthy enough to play. The Wild may be forced to keep three goalies as a result unless they can trade Backstrom as he looks set to be behind Darcy Kuemper as the primary backup to Devan Dubnyk.