DENVER - DECEMBER 23: Goalie Niklas Backstrom #32 of the Minnesota Wild takes a drink during a break in the action against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on December 23 2010 in Denver Colorado. Backstrom had 36 saves as the Wild defeated the Avalanche 3-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom will be playing hockey in Belarus until the NHL lockout is resolved.
Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom is reportedly one of the first NHL players to sign with a foreign club, after the league's most recent lockout began last Saturday. Backstrom will go to Belarus and join coach Ari Hilly with Dynamo Minsk.
Backstrom, a Finland native, will need to get insurance -- the Wild cannot provide insurance for a player going to another league -- and get a visa before he can join Dynamo, which plays in the Kontinental Hockey League, Europe's top league. The KHL has 26 teams, 20 of which play in Russia.
Backstrom's deal will allow him to return to the Wild should a cessation of hostilities between owners and players occur. A large portion of the Minnesota roster has been working out together, with other players from around the NHL.
For news on the Minnesota Wild, check out Hockey Wilderness. For news from around the NHL and more on the lockout, check out SB Nation's NHL hub.
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