Backstrom (elbow) said he was cleared by doctors last Friday to hit the ice when training camp begins later this week, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backstrom, 37, had been dealing with complications from his right elbow since last September, when he suffered a hyperextension in an exhibition game against the Jets and later aggravated it in March. Following that setback, Backstrom underwent surgery two days later and seems to have progressed well throughout the summer, putting him on track to skate in his 10th training camp with the Wild. Despite Backstrom's improved health, the Wild may not be particularly enthused about the return of the team's all-time winningest netminder, as Devan Dubnyk (29) and Darcy Kuemper (25) are both younger and profile as better options at this point. Additionally, with Backstrom owed $4 million this season at a cap hit of $3.4 million, the Wild will have difficulty finding any trade partners, particularly with the goalie's play and health declining in recent seasons. The team may simply have to bite the bullet and carry Backstrom as a rarely used third netminder.