I don't mind too much waiting on Backstrom before making a long-term decision at the position more significantly. They're rooting for him and at least keeping the door open in part out of respect. Maybe that's something that's revisited at the trade deadline if need be and they have total certainty. In the meantime they need to at least make a decision on Lars Eller. Does he provide enough pop paired with McMichael to be confident enough in 2/3C while they wait? Hard to conclude with much confidence that he does at this point. He's done okay as a stopgap previously but his defense, possession and general energy seem on the decline. He's 33 on an expiring contract and it's hard to see him earning an extension. Dowd seemingly is just as valued, if not more, defensively.
Given an inclination toward shaking things up a bit I'd wager on that being the other move pending beyond in net or other value plays. Shipping him out and replacing him with a different look in free agency. Paul Stastny makes the most sense IMO as more of a veteran stabilizing two-way center stopgap. They're going to need someone that's more of a two-way player if Eller moves. Not one of the Stromes you'd think. Jarnkrok wouldn't surprise me as a modest upgrade over Johansson at least but he very likely falls short of being a clear upgrade over Eller. Same with Larsson. There's Trocheck & Copp as far as checking options go but they'll command considerable term. Giroux may be the only other option where term could be reasonable enough and the fit altogether passable. But he'll still earn a higher AAV elsewhere compared to Eller. Barring a trade for a center it's probably a pretty short list in free agency. Unless maybe there's just too much value in going with more of a limited offensive type.