Harding (illness) is expected to retire when his contract with the Wild expires this summer, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "I wouldn't walk to speak for him, but he has bigger issues than just hockey," GM Chuck Fletcher said Monday. Fletcher is more than likely alluding to Harding's much-publicized battle with multiple sclerosis, a disease for which he suffered another setback during a game with AHL Iowa in December. The 30-year-old Harding entered the recently-completed season with some promise after posting an 18-7-3 record, 1.65 GAA, and .933 save percentage over 29 starts with the Wild in 2013-14, but an off-ice injury suffered during a fight with a teammate in training camp squandered his chances of winning a spot with the NHL club. Given the multiple setbacks Harding has suffered with MS the last few years, few teams will be interested in pursuing him when he becomes a free agent this summer, which may effectively force him into retirement regardless of his personal decision.

Harding has yet to return to practice with Iowa teammates since being hospitalized for dehydration after playing two periods for AHL Iowa on Dec. 6, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. The dehydration episode was related to his multiple sclerosis. There's no timetable for his return and it sounds like this could be a significant setback to his multiple sclerosis issues.

Harding left Saturday's game for AHL Iowa after two periods due to dehydration and is likely out indefinitely as it's related to his multiple sclerosis, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Harding was hospitalized until Sunday, so this sounds like a significant setback to his multiple sclerosis.

Harding is expected to play at Charlotte for AHL Iowa on Saturday and Monday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Harding stopped 50-of-54 shots in a 5-4 shootout loss last Sunday at San Antonio in his first minor league start. It looks like he's set for another week or so of minor league starts before he's an option for the NHL Wild.

Harding is expected to make his first start for AHL Iowa Sunday at San Antonio, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Harding hasn't played yet this season due to a suspension and broken foot. He'll likely need a week or two of starts at Iowa before the Wild decide whether to keep him in the minors. It's possible after he cleared waivers he may stay in the minors for some time.

Harding was assigned to AHL Iowa after clearing waivers Tuesday, but he does not plan to report, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Wild still own Harding's rights after he passed thorough waivers without being claimed, but it does not seem he is thrilled about playing in the AHL. Harding's next step is uncertain at some point, but he and the Wild will need to find some sort of resolution before he plays again.

Harding cleared waivers Tuesday, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports. Harding posted a sparkling 1.66 GAA last season, but with him starting just 29 games over the last two seasons and coming off a team-imposed suspension, no other team was willing to take a chance on him. He will report to AHL Iowa and figures to see plenty of action.

The Wild activated Harding (foot) off of IR on Monday, and placed him on waivers. Harding's suspension is over, but he's still working his way back from a foot injury, so he'll head to AHL Iowa after clearing waivers to get some game experience.

Harding (foot) is getting close to returning, Rachel Blount of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Harding skated on his own Monday morning, and should be nearing a return. When he gets back, he'll likely be relegated to a backup role behind Darcy Kuemper, who has played well this season.

Harding (broken foot) has started taking shots before practices, but the Wild don't have a timetable for his return, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "It's almost like he's just starting his summer routine, so how much time does he need to get his conditioning, to get his wind, to get his strength back and to get his movements back and how will the foot impact that?" GM Chuck Fletcher told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "So there's still lots of questions." Harding broke his right foot in September from kicking a wall after an off-ice altercation with a teammate and was later suspended by the team. He'll likely need a minor league rehab assignment before he's ready to return. It was originally thought he wouldn't return until late November or December.