Niklas Backstrom has been working out on the ice since June, according to beat writer Michael Russo. Backstrom underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia he suffered in pregame warmups before Game 1 of the Wild's first-round playoff series. Coach Michael Yeo said the Wild have to do a better job of parsing out Backstrom's workload this season. While fewer games might limit Backstrom's potential win total, the added benefit he'll get from some extra rest could make his overall numbers stronger.