Josh Harding's preference would be to stay in Minnesota, and he'd like to do so on a multiyear contract. The 28-year-old is slated to be an unrestricted free agent July 1, and if he is signed would be the likely backup to 35-year-old Niklas Backstrom for at least one more year. "A one-year deal right now doesn't make really much sense for us," Harding said. "That's what we're having talks with [GM Chuck Fletcher] about, and we'll make the best decision for both of us. But it's a business, too, and I want to be a No. 1." Fletcher is optimistic he can get something completed. Harding went 13-12-4 with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage this past season.