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By Michael Russo, Star Tribune
Last update: June 01, 2007 – 8:05 PM

OTTAWA - With less than a month before goaltender Niklas Backstrom is scheduled to become a free agent, the Wild has begun to work overtime in hopes of avoiding that.

Assistant general manager Tom Lynn met with Backstrom's agent, Don Baizley, three times in Toronto on Friday, and one of the meetings included Backstrom.

"I wouldn't say there's a sense of urgency, but there's a lot to talk about," Lynn said. "We've discussed a lot of issues with Nik. It takes a while. It's a process."

Last week, the Wild made its first contract proposal to Backstrom, 29, who led the NHL with a 1.97 goals-against average and .929 save percentage. While the exact offer is unknown, it's believed the Wild feels Montreal's Cristobal Huet is the best comparable.

Huet signed a two-year deal worth $5.75 million last summer.

If the Wild can get Backstrom signed, fellow goalie Manny Fernandez will immediately be put on the trading block. Backstrom and Fernandez are scheduled to be in Ottawa today to accept the William Jennings Trophy, which is awarded to the goalies for the team that allows the fewest goals against.

"I think it's clearly a team thing," GM Doug Risebrough said. "Backstrom had a great year, but he was a smart guy. He came to the Minnesota Wild [as the backup] because they can play well defensively, and 'I can get my feet under me.' Now look at him."

Thelen not signed

As expected, the Wild parted ways with 2004 first-round pick A.J. Thelen, a Savage native. While Lynn said, "We couldn't come to an agreement" with the 21-year-old defenseman, agent J.P. Barry said, "They didn't make any offers."You have to move on," Barry continued. "The way A.J. played the last few months [in helping WHL Vancouver to a Memorial Cup championship], no matter what happens, he'll find a new team."

The Wild will received the 42nd pick in this month's draft as compensation.

"A.J. worked hard in summer camps and whenever we asked him to do something, so there was no clash with the person," Lynn said. "He didn't end up being the player we envisioned ... but he will have a pro career."

The Wild also let go 2005 third-round pick Kristofer Westblom and 2005 fourth-round pick Kyle Bailey. Lynn said if Bailey, who will re-enter the draft, goes undrafted, the Wild would like to sign him to a minor league contract.

White ponders future

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