Josh Harding, who has diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in October, is doing great in the Wild's training camp. "I've seen zero signs that he is trying to tackle a huge obstacle," Wild coach Mike Yeo said. Harding is expected to do a solid job as Minnesota's backup goaltender this season.

Josh Harding feels great and he doesn't anticipate any problems going into this season despite being diagnosed in October with multiple sclerosis. "It's test and trial. We'll see how it goes," Harding said regarding his treatments. "The boys said I look all right out there. It's kind of like a tryout for myself. I've got to go out there and prove to everybody that I can still do what I've been doing all my life. I have something to prove, that's for sure. But I feel good going in and felt great out there [Monday]. There's going to be ups and downs, but right now my body feels good." He should share the goaltending duties with Niklas Backstrom this campaign.

Former goaltender and current AHL Abbotsford Heat goaltending coach Jordan Sigalet reached out to Josh Harding after Harding publicly admitted to having multiple sclerosis. Sigalet also has multiple sclerosis and was also determined to play through it. "I went from hearing I would never play again to stepping on the ice for an NHL game," Sigalet said. "Having your childhood dream come true is just an amazing feeling. My retirement definitely had nothing to do with the MS. Obviously, it's a lot easier on my body now that I'm done playing. I still miss playing at times, but I'm glad I can live my dream through what I'm doing now and try to help other guys reach their goal of getting to the NHL." His message to Harding is not to give up on his dreams and it sounds like Harding won't.

Josh Harding announced that he hopes to play despite dealing with multiple sclerosis. Harding hopes it's "a little bump in the road" instead of a career-threatening ailment. The Minnesota Star Tribune's Michael Russo points out some of the problematic potential symptoms that could cause Harding issues: challenges with balance, fatigue and blurred vision. Harding, 28, may still be in position to push Niklas Backstrom for the Minnesota Wild's starting job after signing a three-year extension in June.

Josh Harding has agreed to terms on a three-year, $5.7 million contract to stay in Minnesota. He expressed an interest to remain with the Wild if he could get a multi-year contract and that's exactly what the potential unrestricted free agent received. Harding played in 34 games with Minnesota this past season, while posting a 13-12-4 record with a .917 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average. He has struggled with injuries and consistency in his career, but can be a solid backup when he's healthy.

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.

Josh Harding's agent, Craig Oster will meet with Wild GM Chuck Fletcher this week. Josh Harding will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if he doesn't agree to a contract extension before then. "That's more Josh's call," Fletcher said. "He's kind of in the driver's seat if he wants to go somewhere or pursue something here." Harding is a great backup and he might test the free agent waters in the hopes of finding a team that's willing to let him fight for their starting job.

Josh Harding will be in goal for Minnesota Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Niklas Backstrom has played three of the team's past four games and Harding's last start came in a 5-4 shootout win over the Hawks on Apr. 1. The 27-year-old netminder is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, so it might be his final game with the Wild.

Josh Harding allowed four goals on 35 shots, but earned a victory in a 5-4 shootout win over Chicago Sunday. Harding has enjoyed a quietly solid season when he's been healthy this season and is one of the better backup netminders in the league.

Look for Josh Harding between the pipes against the Blackhawks Sunday. Niklas Backstrom started Saturday night and defeated the Oilers 4-3 in a shootout so it is possible he could start again Sunday, but we doubt it.