Wild Consider Moving Wallstedt to Meet Team Needs
The Minnesota Wild’s current goaltending performance has positioned them among the strongest teams in the NHL. Their goaltending duo boasts the ninth-best goals-against average and the second-best save percentage this season. Despite this success, General Manager Bill Guerin remains open to potential changes within the team.
Potential Changes for the Wild
Recent discussions have suggested that Jesper Wallstedt may be involved in trade talks. Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas from Sportsnet highlighted this possibility during a recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast.
Wallstedt’s Performance
In his rookie NHL season, Wallstedt has achieved a record of 12 wins, 5 losses, and 4 overtime losses across 21 starts. He holds a goals-against average of 2.70 and a save percentage of .914, along with four shutouts. Drafted 20th overall by the Wild in 2021, the 23-year-old goaltender is currently under a two-year contract worth $4.4 million.
Current Goaltending Landscape
- Filip Gustavsson: The 27-year-old goalie has made 33 starts this season, recording 17 wins, 9 losses, and 3 overtime losses. His goals-against average stands at 2.62, with a save percentage of .908 and three shutouts. Gustavsson recently signed a five-year extension worth $34 million that will take effect in the 2026-27 season.
Friedman suggested that if Wallstedt is traded, bringing in veteran Marc-André Fleury could be a potential solution. This consideration reflects the Wild’s ambition to strengthen their lineup as they aim for success in a competitive division.
The Road Ahead for the Wild
The Wild are poised to make strategic decisions to enhance their roster. Given the strong competition from teams like Dallas and Colorado, the need for a capable backup or a reliable starter could influence their trade strategy. As they navigate this landscape, the management is focused on optimizing team performance for a robust playoff run.
