Hello Dobber Followers,

Any input/thoughts on him being in Minnesota full-time next year? Is he worth taking a chance early, middle or late in a 15 rounds draft?

Thanks,

Blue.

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Kids, you tried your best and failed miserably. Lesson is, never try. -Homer Simpson.

Hey Bluenorth,I would have to say that Fernandez would like to be a starter but Backstrom seems to be a better option at this time. I think Fnandez will be traded or possibly bought out and Harding will be the back-up. But the team could also afford to give Harding one more season in the minors before being called up permanantly.. It\'s a tough situation, do you have any bench positions you can throw Harding on?

This probably doesn\'t help you at all but I think everybody will be giving you similiar responses... Z.

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Zorro says "vote for Dobber"
Angus is my best friend at dobberhockey..
Bruins believer since BIRTH..
Fav player: Cam Neely..

If rumors of a Fernandez buyout are true, Harding should be the full-time backup in Minnesota next season. When he becomes the starter depends on (1) whether Minnesota is able to re-sign Backstrom, and (2) whether NB pulled a Kipper or a Raycroft this year. If a Kipper, Harding could be waiting for a while. If a Raycroft, I\'d expect to see him starting 2-3 seasons from now.

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T.G.

Thanks guys. Useful info.

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Kids, you tried your best and failed miserably. Lesson is, never try. -Homer Simpson.

I\'m surprised Harding wasn\'t an immediate option when Backstrom sort of struggled early in the Anaheim series. He\'s got this ability to steal games. When he\'s on, just nothing looks like it\'s going in. He wows me every time I see him. As was said, if Backstrom screws up next year, Harding will come in and steal the show. I think he could be the starter for that team right now.

From previous threads on Harding, I think I\'ll sum up my opinion on the kid.
At the latest, 2010 starter. That\'s the very latest. I predict anywhere from mid 2008 to mid 2009 to be a safe bet for full startership. He\'d be a starter on some teams by now. Sure Minny\'s D game is phenomenal, but he\'s an incredible goalie without that system in front of him too. The kid is just really solid, all he needs is playing time to iron out his game and get used to NHL shooters.

If Fernandez is gone this summer, I think Josh will steal the starter job by the end of December. If Manny sticks, Josh will stand a chance at being a partner goalie to start 2009, and will win it mid-season. There\'s no way this kid is kept under much longer, no matter the talent above him.

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