Minnesota Wild players report for training camp, updates, and what is going on with Josh Harding?

Minnesota Wild players have reported for the start of training camp today, which means three weeks until the puck drops for the 2014-15 Minnesota Wild season! (Yes, I’m a little excited for hockey season!)

First look at Thomas Vanek (#26) in a Minnesota Wild Sweater (courtesy of the Minnesota Wild)

Two weeks ago, I blogged about Nino Niederreiter and Darcy Kuemper having not been signed to new deals. Well, the Minnesota Wild announced on September 11 that they have agreed to terms on a new, three year deal with Nino Niederreiter. The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting Nino’s new contract is for three years and $8 million. (Chad Graff, twincities.com 9/12/2014).

While I was reviewing this article to get it posted tonight, word came across Twitter that Darcy Kuemper and the Wild agreed to a new deal. It looks like it’s a two year (one way) deal, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. So, I had to hastily re-write this article. Kuemper will be reporting to training camp in the morning.  Ilya Bryzgolav will still be reporting to training camp with the Wild on a tryout (according to Star Tribune columnist Michael Russo). 

I was originally going to post how the Wild’s goaltending situation was going to be a huge question mark going into camp with it having been announced on Wednesday that Josh Harding is going to be out for an indefinite period of time after having fractured his right foot on Sunday. It has been reported that Harding’s injury is not going to require surgery. However, Harding’s going to miss significant time again. As I was writing this, Michael Russo posted this on Twitter:

(Courtesy of Michael Russo, @Russostrib, twitter)

This won't be the first time the Wild has suspended a player over an injury that wasn't hockey related. The Wild suspended James Sheppard prior to the start of the 2010 season after he injured his knee in an ATV accident. So, how long Harding will be suspended for remains to be seen. 

The Wild are holding an open practice on Saturday, along with the inaugural Minnesota Wild Breakaway 10k/5k/1-mile fun run. I will be running in the 5k. I will have some pictures of the races for a future blog. 

Twenty one days until the start of the 2014-15 Minnesota Wild season....