Niklas Backstrom News: Backstrom (ankle) has signed a contract with HC Dynamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Backstrom (ankle) has signed a contract with HC Dynamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Backstrom's contract will allow him to leave when/if the NHL lockout ends. Backstrom had offseason surgery for a minor ankle injury, so we'll at least be able to get a read on his health before the NHL season begins.