One of the Blues’ biggest needs this offseason is a backup goaltender and they will fill that need at the NHL draft or when free agency begins July 1.

The name that continues to surface is Minnesota restricted free agent Josh Harding. Harding was a second-round pick of the Wild in 2002.

In 58 NHL games, Harding is 19-27 with three overtime losses. He has a 2.49 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. He was a productive player in the American Hockey League with the Houston Aeros, compiling a 67-40 record with a 2.38 GAA and a .924 save-percentage.

Harding was 3-9 last season with Minnesota with a 2.21 GAA and a .929 save-percentage, playing behind Niklas Backstrom. The Wild, who inked Backstrom to a four-year, $24 million contract, are now looking at Harding as potential trade bait. He made $750,000 last season.

The Blues are interested, but as of this afternoon, nothing was in the works between the Blues and Wild. I’m told that Minnesota is looking for an NHL forward in return. The Wild realize they won’t get an “established” forward, but the next best thing. I’m sure the goal-challenged Wild are also looking for someone who can score.

Who on the Blues’ roster fits that description? Good question. David Backes pretty much established himself last season, which leaves T.J. Oshie, David Perron and Patrik Berglund among players on the roster now. (That’s not to say Minnesota hasn’t asked for those players. We’re just condensing the list of unestablished Blues with a scoring touch). Obviously the Blues would not be interested.

The Blues have probably tried to package some prospects for Harding, but again, I’m told that Minnesota is looking for an NHL-ready forward.

Please stay tuned to my blog this evening, as more news is sure to develop.