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MINNEAPOLIS -- Niklas Backstrom was so good for the Minnesota Wild, the team plans to begin negotiations in the coming days in hopes of re-signing the goaltender even if it results in salary cap peril.

"Both (General Manager Doug Risebrough and coach Jacques Lemaire) have made it clear they'd like to have Nick back next year, so we will be talking to his representation and to him," assistant GM Tom Lynn said. "We feel we can bring Nick back without having to do anything else at the same time."

Or, in layman's terms, Lynn said, "We feel we can sign Niklas without trading Manny (Fernandez)."

Still, Lynn added, "I'm not saying something else won't happen," and there is no doubt the Wild would at least shop Fernandez if Backstrom is re-signed.

Bringing back both goaltenders would put the Wild close to the expected $47.5 million salary cap without even filling out the rest of its roster.

Including Fernandez's $4.33 million cap hit, the Wild has 12 players signed at more than $31 million. Seven other restricted free agents, including goalie Josh Harding, would cost about $10 million.

If Backstrom is re-signed for about $3 million, the Wild suddenly would be at close to $44 million.

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