This was the plan all along as Harding will rejoin the team and backup Backstrom going into the playoffs.
Josh Harding News
Harding continues to improve but is probably not fantasy relevant at this point in the season.
Darcy Kuemper will remain at least until Harding is ready to return. I assume he would need a number of practices.
It was discovered last fall that Harding had multiple sclerosis. It was hoped that it could be contained with proper treatment. But, after his body didn’t react well to his medication, he was put on injured reserve Feb. 12 . That began a weeks-long process of trying to find the right treatment combination. A process that was, for Harding, at times very difficult. Harding is confident in his new treatment regimen. He has been working out hard for a week and a half. He had skated twice before Thursday, but hadn’t taken any shots. That’s why being in net and taking shots was so important. There is no timetable for his return. That won’t be determined until Harding, the doctors, coach Mike Yeo and general manager Chuck Fletcher all get together and talk about the situation.
Harding was supposed to be the starter for the Wild tonight but has been feeling a little "off" lately. This is unfortunate for the 28 year-old netminder becuase MS can certainly derail a career.
Harding got beat up for 5 goals against the Red Wings in his last start, and it doesn't get any easier for him tonight as he takes on the undefeated Blackhawks.
In Harding's first action of the season he played great an shut the Stars out. He still doesn't have much fantasy value because he is still the backup to Backstrom.
Harding will get the start after Backstrom got the win yesterday against the Avalanche. Harding won't really be fantasy relevant unless Backstrom goes down with an injury. He is a good goalie but he is still a backup goalie.
While certainly a great burden to bear, Harding does not expect MS to cause problems this season.
In eight career appearances against the Blackhawks, Harding has a 5-3-0 record with a 2.53 GAA, .927 SV% and one shutout.
In seven career appearances against the Blackhawks, Harding has a 4-3-0 record with a 2.33 GAA, .934 SV% and one shutout.
Harding won his only career start against the Rangers, stopping 32 of 35 shots faced.
In two career starts against the Sabres, Harding has a 2-0-0 record with a 1.50 GAA and .963 SV%.
In eight career appearances against the Flames, Harding has a 1-5-1 record with a 2.53 GAA and .916 SV%.
In eight career appearances against the Flames, Harding has a 1-5-1 record with a 2.53 GAA and .916 SV%.
In six career appearances against the Canucks, Harding has a 1-4-0 record with a 3.13 GAA and .891 SV%.
Harding should be an option to at least backup tomorrow.
Sounds like Harding is still sore which probably rules him out of starting this weekend.
No word on if Harding can at least backup. If not, expect the Wild to make a roster move.
No word on how long Harding will miss. With his long history of injuries, it would not be surprising for him to sit out a few contests.