Because of the early hours, the Wild hasn't confirmed yet a report from CKAC that the Wild has signed goalie Jose Theodore to a one-year, $1.1 million contract to replace Josh Harding, who could miss the season with a torn ACL and MCL.

But I talked with coach Todd Richards in the lobby a short time ago and he said there had been discussion about Theodore yesterday, but he had no confirmation that it was done. GM Chuck Fletcher told me earlier in the week that Theodore was indeed a possibility.

The Wild didn't want to pluck anybody off waivers until it was a significant upgrade over Anton Khudobin, which so far the goalies have not been, in the Wild's opinion.

Agent Don Meehan, whose firm also represents Harding, told me earlier this week in this article (click link), "It's a consideration for them, yes, and Jose would be intrigued by Minnesota." According to CKAC, Theodore, 34, who was the NHL's 2002 Hart (MVP) and Vezina (Best Goaltender) Trophy winner, will initially report to the Wild's AHL affiliate, Houston, until the Wild reports home from Finland. In 13 seasons with Montreal, Colorado and Washington, Theodore is 245-220-52 with a 2.68 goals against average and .908 save percentage. He was 30-7-7 last season with the Capitals. I'd assume Harding will go on long-term IR Wednesday so the Wild can spend up to his salary over the cap. Harding's salary is $1.2 million, roughly the cap hit of Theodore's reported contract. More later. Practice is in 2 hours.