from the Pioneer Press,

At the start of the season, Backstrom’s biography merely warranted “In The System” small-print status in the media guide, not the extensive spreads established players receive.
That’s changed. Backstrom has had an 18-8-5 run as a starter for the Wild and suddenly ranks No. 2 in the NHL with a 2.16 goals-against average.
At season’s end, he can become a free agent, and the team he’s expected to start against tonight in St. Paul — Wayne Gretzky’s Phoenix Coyotes — could be big in offseason bidding. Backstrom, 29, has shut out the Coyotes, who need a goalie, twice in two starts this season.
That’s not to say Backstrom is going anywhere. He said he enjoys Minnesota and wants to re-sign with the Wild. But if he finishes the season at his current pace, he’ll have several nice offers with which the Wild will have to compete.

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