from Michael Russo of the Star Tribune,

The Wild’s goaltending hasn’t been good enough this season. Despite allowing the second-fewest shots per game in the NHL, the Wild has the second-lowest save percentage only to lowly Edmonton.

Kuemper ranks 53rd, Niklas Backstrom 60th.

It’s why the Wild is looking for a goalie, sources say. What General Manager Chuck Fletcher is gauging is this: Do you give up significant assets now to get a short-term fix when there’s no guarantee a goalie can save the season or do you stay patient, continue to ride out the instability and wait for the right move to come along that will address the long-term need?

Fletcher declined to comment Wednesday.

Some names potentially on the market? Carolina’s Cam Ward, the 2006 Conn Smythe Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champ, San Jose’s Antti Niemi, Buffalo’s Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth, Edmonton’s Viktor Fasth and St. Louis’ Martin Brodeur.

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