from Michael Russo of Russo's Rants,

General Manager Chuck Fletcher has landed in Toronto for today’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, so I was able to speak to him by phone.

Fletcher said he met with Harding face-to-face last night and explained to him the team’s reasoning. He said he left it with Harding that the two would talk again Tuesday if he clears waivers, but Harding gave him no indication that he wouldn’t report to Iowa (I have made an interview request with Harding through the Wild media relations department; if Harding calls to comment, I will update blog quickly).

“His focus and goal is to get back and be a quality NHL goaltender again, so it’s another step for him,” Fletcher said. “I think that’s where his focus is right now. I don’t assume there will be any issue.”

Asked why he went the waiver route as opposed to sending Harding to Iowa on a two-week conditioning stint, Fletcher said, “The reality is he hasn’t played in a game since Dec. 31. He missed training camp and the first month-and-a-half this season, and that’s a lot of time for any player to miss. Our main goal now is to help him successfully regain his form of last season, and assuming he clears waivers, we felt this move would best help facilitate that. There’s really no sense in putting a timetable on how long it’ll take him to get ready. This move allows us to just give him the time that he needs to get his game back.

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