Backstrom elite goalie?

[Axeman33]

So whats your opinion on Nicklas Backstrom (minn) ? A couple years ago he was outstanding, last year not so much. He is looking good so far this year. Do you think he is returning to his old form and working his way to one of the elite goalies in the league?

[bondon]

I can't really comment on how he is as a goalie like fundamentally and stuff, I'll leave that to the experts like Justin.

But in terms of fantasy, Backstrom is definitely one of the more underrated goalies in the league, and I think that has a lot to do with the fact that he plays for Minnesota. It didn't help that he had all those back and groin problems in previous years.

I think he's capable of being an elite fantasy option but IMO I think the safest classification you could give him as a fantasy goalie is a really good #2 option. I personally find that every year in my one-year's he's underrated so I can snag him as my #3 which is great.

[Laendarian]

I can't really comment on how he is as a goalie like fundamentally and stuff, I'll leave that to the experts like Justin.

But in terms of fantasy, Backstrom is definitely one of the more underrated goalies in the league, and I think that has a lot to do with the fact that he plays for Minnesota. It didn't help that he had all those back and groin problems in previous years.

I think he's capable of being an elite fantasy option but IMO I think the safest classification you could give him as a fantasy goalie is a really good #2 option. I personally find that every year in my one-year's he's underrated so I can snag him as my #3 which is great.

I agree with this statement. I can see Backstrom having the potential to be an elite option, but team always plays a big factor, see Vokoun in FLA for example. I'd love Backstrom as a #3 goalie, be very happy with him as a #2, but I would be a bit worried if he was my #1.

[dyzfunctioned]

He was elite a few years ago and the team has steadily gotten worse, as have his numbers. Expect his stats to improve as the team does.

[Axeman33]

Right on, and thanks for the comments. I currently have Luongo as my #1 and Mike Smith as my #2. I am thinking of taking a run at him as one of the guys in my league has him as a #3 sitting on his bench weekly behind Lundy and Howard. He would be a good improvement over my current #2.