Niklas Backstrom is starting for the Minnesota Wild against Winnipeg. Josh Harding limped to the dressing room during the warmup, which will force Backstrom to play his first game since Nov. 13 when he suffered a concussion against Toronto. Backstrom was activated to start because Darcy Kuemper is back in the minors.

Niklas Backstrom participated in the Wild's full practice Friday. It was the first time he was able to do so since he sustained a concussion against Toronto 10 days ago. Although it is not clear if Backstrom will dress as Josh Harding's backup Saturday against the Jets (the team has kept Darcy Kuemper on the roster for now), he will likely, barring a setback, be able to do so Monday against the Blues. Get ready to activate Backstrom as he will likely return to action next week.

Niklas Backstrom (concussion) has been placed on the injured reserve list. Backstrom hasn't played since Nov. 13, so he's eligible to be activated whenever the Wild want. That being said, there's no timetable for his return.

Niklas Backstrom's upper-body injury is reportedly a concussion. That's unfortunately not surprising given that Toronto's Nazem Kadri appeared to hit Backstrom in the head during Wednesday's game. As is typically the case with concussions, there's no timetable for Backstrom's return.

Niklas Backstrom won't dress on Friday because of an upper-body injury. He was run over by Toronto's Nazem Kadri on Wednesday night and forced to leave the game shortly afterward. Kadri's elbow or forearm made contact with Backstrom's head on the play. The Wild will bring up another goalie from the minors to replace him.

Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom was forced to leave Wednesday's game against Toronto with what looked to be a head injury. Backstrom was drilled with a high hit from Toronto's Nazem Kadri and immediately left the game. For his past, Kadri received only a two-minute minor penalty, but could soon be hearing from the league office about supplementary discipline.

Niklas Backstrom will start on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Josh Harding will serve as the backup rather than starter because he's dealing with a minor illness. Backstrom has a 3.42 GAA and .871 save percentage in six games this season.

Niklas Backstrom didn't end up playing on Saturday, but coach Mike Yeo indicated that he may get a start during Minnesota's three-game homestand this week. He owns a 1-1-2 record with a 3.42 goals-against average and an .871 save percentage in six games this season. Backstrom has been usurped by Josh Harding, who has started 12 of the past 15 games for the Wild, in the early going of the 2013-14 campaign.

Niklas Backstrom might get the call to start Saturday in Carolina. Josh Harding will start Thursday night at Washington and his strong play has kept Backstrom on the bench. "Hards has forced us to keep going here," coach Mike Yeo said. "There's no question that I do want to get Backy in there, especially that game that he played in Chicago, I thought he was outstanding in that game and would like to get him playing at that level consistency. We're a better team if we have both guys going and we're going to need both guys. At the same time, when you've got a hot guy, it's hard not to ride him, too." Backstrom hasn't been nearly as successful as Harding this year, while sporting a 1-1-2 record with an .871 save percentage and a 3.42 GAA in six outings.

Niklas Backstrom struggled on Monday night as he allowed five goals on 28 shots in a 5-1 loss to Chicago. Backstrom has yet to find his stride after an excellent season in last year's shortened schedule. After he battled an early-season injury, the goaltender's record now stands at 1-1-2 with a 3.42 GAA and an .871 save percentage.