Backstrom underwent elbow surgery after the season, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Wild were considering buying Backstrom's contract out at some point this offseason, as the 37-year-old goaltender has largely outlived his usefulness for the organization at this point in his career. However, this latest development may throw a wrench in those plans, as injured players cannot be bought out unless cleared by team physicians. Minnesota will hope that Backstrom is healthy enough to be cleared before the June 30 deadline, however, if he's not, the team will likely have to keep the aging goaltender on the roster for yet another season.