Backstrom contract talks appear to be nonexistent

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: December 15, 2008 - 12:18 PM

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ANAHEIM, CALIF. - Last season, the Wild waited so long to talk contract with unrestricted-free-agent-to-be Brian Rolston that it proved unsuccessful.

Rolston sniffed free agency, and the opportunity to go to New Jersey for more money and a fourth year was too good to pass up.

The Wild seems to be making the same risky decision with goaltender Niklas Backstrom. The Wild has yet to contact his agent, Don Baizley, and General Manager Doug Risebrough won't say why. In fact, Risebrough, who before the season told the Star Tribune it would "be prudent to talk" to Backstrom about an extension during the season, now won't comment on Backstrom's future at all.

Backstrom admitted Sunday he has wondered why the Wild hasn't broached the subject of an extension. But he is doing his best not to think about it.

"Yeah, for sure it's out there in your thoughts," Backstrom said. "But you're playing a team sport. The thing is, you focus on the hockey. ... When your contract is ending, it could be time to pack your stuff and move on, but it's part of the life as a hockey player."

Backstrom has lost a career-high three consecutive regulation games. Of course, he can't be blamed for the losses. The Wild has given him two goals of support, and he has given up only six goals.

Backstrom, who got a rare start off against the Ducks on Sunday night, said he is only concentrating on winning again and not on his contract.

"I could go maybe that way and start to think about all this stuff, but I don't know if that would be good for me or the team," Backstrom said. "I think that could be a pretty easy way to screw up my game."

Hedican thriving

Last summer, the rumor around NHL circles was Bret Hedican was on the verge of retirement.

But the North St. Paul native said Sunday that was never the case. After seven years in Carolina, Hedican, 38, was ready for a change and wanted to move back to Northern California, where he and his wife -- Olympic gold medal figure skater and "Dancing with the Stars" champ Kristi Yamaguchi -- live full-time.

After skating in training camp with San Jose, Hedican landed with Anaheim Oct. 23.

"When this came along, I was like, 'Wow, what an opportunity,' " said Hedican, who won a Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006. "It was just a great defensive core to jump in with. It was a chance to play with a bunch of guys who have won already."

Hedican, who is averaging 15 1/2 minutes a night, said it took a while to get used to the Ducks system, but the "legs are there, and hands, I feel they're coming. The game is becoming fun again."

Etc.

• Atlanta General Manager Don Waddell attended his second Wild game in a row. Risebrough and Waddell spent the first intermission talking.

• Rookie Colton Gillies was scratched.

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