The wondering game is on: Who will take the place of MSNBC “Hardball” host Chris Matthews? He suddenly retired from his longtime prime-time perch on the network Monday following suggestions he had behaved inappropriately with a female guest.

“News veterans Shepard Smith, Steve Kornacki and Joy Reid are all on the shortlist,” says the New York Post in an exclusive report.

The three each have their attributes and histories. Mr. Smith resigned from Fox News in October, asking the network to release him from his contract to host “Shepard Smith Reporting” so he could start “a new chapter” in his career.

Mr. Kornaki is a national political correspondent on MSNBC known for giving analysis of polls and election results and Ms. Reid currently hosts MSNBC’s popular weekend show “AM Joy.”

She has previously substitute for other MSNBC hosts, including Chris Hayes and Rachel Maddow.

In the meantime, the “Hardball” time slot is a tricky one to fill, a senior news TV source told The Post.

“It comes straight after the evening news, when viewers want anchors to weigh in with their own thoughts and analysis — not just read the headlines, so its a tough gig,” the source said.