Forget Gaborik: Minnesota should focus on Backstrom

Here is a good story by Sean Leahy on how the Minnesota Wild should forget about Marian Gaborik and focus on getting Niklas Backstrom signed up to a contract. That is a good idea because Wild back up Josh Harding has less than impressive since he became a member of the Minnesota Wild.

Whatever happens to both Gaborik and Backstrom, this is a very important season for the Wild franchise. They have their superstar player and superstar goaltender both on the verge of big raises. Minnesota has $37 million committed for next season, but with eight soon-to-be unrestricted free agents and four restricted free agents, how will Doug Risebrough approach the future of the team? Backstrom's future won't be determined until Gaborik is either signed or dealt.

An alternate thought: With the Wild's hot start, does Risebrough roll the dice and keep Gaborik all season and sign Backstrom instead for a run at the Stanley Cup?

It'll be an interesting season in Minnesota, both on and off the ice.

I have to agree on Sean on this Marin Gaborik had played a grand total of two games scoring an eye popping 1 goal, the Wild have managed to win with out Gabby and need to start their life without him. While Gaborik has been on the shelf since October 16th the Wild have gone 7-3-1.