Josh Harding thought about quitting hockey last October. The Wild's supposed franchise goalie of the future had appeared destined to make the team as Manny Fernandez's backup, but then came the shocking news. Minnesota was sending him back to the minors, giving the job to newcomer Niklas Backstrom. Harding's confidence was shattered. Nine months later, the notion of quitting seems ludicrous. Harding has a new two-year contract worth $1.45 million he signed last week, Fernandez has been traded and the Wild are planning to give him about 25 starts next season.