Josh Harding was back on the ice today.
The Wild’s goalie, who still leads the NHL with a 1.93 goals-against average and is second with a .933 save percentage, took the ice today for the first time since January, the Star Tribune reports.
Effects of his multiple sclerosis, which he was diagnosed with in 2012, has forced him to miss the past 22 games. The Wild is an impressive 18-7-3 in games started by Harding this season.
His return to practice doesn’t guarantee he’ll play in a game again this season.
“I saw him this morning, and I can’t say that I have a plan right now,” coach Mike Yeo said. “The first step was just to see him at the rink and I know he was here last game and I had heard how much better he was doing. And when I got a chance to talk to him this morning, you could see it. You could see it in his face, you could see the relief. You could just see he’s in a much better place right now. I think it’s great. It’s great to have him around. The next step is getting him on the ice and talk more about what the plan is. We haven’t discussed that.”
According to Pro Hockey Talk, the Wild has all but ruled out a return for Harding this season.
The Wild’s Charity of the Month for March is “Harding’s Hope.” The Wild recognized the Charity of the Month during the first Tuesday home game of each month, which is tonight against the Edmonton Oilers. The proceeds of any Josh Harding items purchased at any of the three Hockey Lodge locations or online at stateofhockeystore.com will go directly to Harding’s charity.
