Wallstedt Climbs TSN Trade Bait Board to No. 35
Jesper Wallstedt, a promising 23-year-old goaltender, has recently emerged on the TSN Trade Bait board. Positioned at number 35, Wallstedt may become a significant asset for the Minnesota Wild ahead of the trade deadline.
Trade Possibilities for Wallstedt
This development indicates that the Wild could consider trading Wallstedt, the 2021 first-round pick, especially if they aim to make a substantial move. TSN Hockey Contributor Steve Dryden highlighted the situation, noting that while trading for top Calder Trophy candidates seems unlikely, it might require parting with valuable players.
Current Goalie Situation
Filip Gustavsson, the current starting goalie, signed a five-year contract worth a $6.8 million average annual value, set to begin next season. This could influence the team’s decisions regarding Wallstedt.
- Filip Gustavsson: 27 years old, record: 16-9-5, save percentage: .910, GAA: 2.56
- Jesper Wallstedt: 23 years old, record: 12-5-4, save percentage: .914, GAA: 2.71
Wallstedt’s Recent Performance
Wallstedt has struggled recently, with a 1-3-1 record this month, a .865 save percentage, and a GAA of 4.42. This downturn raises questions about his future with the Wild as they prepare for the playoffs.
Wild’s Playoff Position
The Minnesota Wild are currently vying for a playoff spot and are on a collision course with the Dallas Stars. Both teams trail the Colorado Avalanche by 12 points in the Central Division standings and hold a nine-point advantage over the Utah Mammoth.
Future Prospects
General Manager Bill Guerin has already made a bold move this season, acquiring star defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. This trade involved sending Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick to Vancouver.
Continued aggressive strategies may be on the horizon as the Wild seeks to progress beyond the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2015. As of now, only Wallstedt and Gustavsson have played in goal for Minnesota, with veteran Cal Petersen providing depth within the organization.
