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Come Fan with UsWednesday, June 24, 2026

Niklas Backstrom injury: Leaves game shortly after hit from Nazem Kadri

Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom was injured on Wednesday night after this big hit from Nazem Kadri.

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sport

Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom had to leave early in the first period on Wednesday night shortly after he was on the receiving end of a brutal hit from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri.

Kadri was given a two-minute minor for goaltender interference, which seems like an understatement.

Goalieinterference_medium

Backstrom initially stayed in the game but ended up leaving a few minutes later. He was replaced by Josh Harding.

In six games this season Backstrom has a .871 save percentage to go with a 1-1-2 record for the Wild.

The fact Backstrom had to leave the game probably isn’t going to help Kadri when it comes to any potential discipline from the league.

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