The uncertainty that surrounds the Minnesota Wild’s goalie situation could mean the Wild are searching for help to improve the depth of the position.
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune speculates that General Manager Chuck Fletcher is looking for goalie help to “provide some insurance.” Russo’s sources tell him the Wild could hit the free agent market and sign veteran Jose Theodore, who hasn’t played for any team this season. Theodore’s last action last season when he played in 15 games for the Florida Panthers, posting a very high 3.29 goals-against average.
Theodore spent the 2010-11 season with the Wild where he won 15 games in 32 starts while posting a 2.71 GAA.
The entire situation is dependent on how much trust the Wild has in Niklas Backstrom, who made 39 saves against Phoenix Thursday night to win his third straight start. Prior to his winning streak, Backstrom went without a win for 40 days. Not only that, but Josh Harding’s uncertain health situation is another cause for concern.
Harding is on injured reserve for the second time since undergoing changes to treatment for his Multiple Sclerosis last month. Russo believes whether the Wild signs Theodore depends on how Harding is feeling this weekend.
The Wild has won four straight and has regained control of the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
