Wild sign top goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt to 2-year, $4.4 million extension
The Minnesota Wild signed goaltender Jesper Wallstedt to a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension on Monday, giving their prized prospect some security while waiting in the wings behind veterans Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson.
The 21-year-old Wallstedt made three starts for Minnesota last season and spent the rest of the time in the AHL. He went 22-19-6 with a 2.70 goals against average and a .910 save percentage in 45 games for the Iowa Wild. Wallstedt was the team's first-round draft pick in 2021 out of Vasteras, Sweden.
With Fleury and Gustavsson still in the fold, Wallstedt's outlook for playing time this season is unclear. But the Wild have signaled an interest in carrying three goaltenders for the time being.
Monday afternoon was the deadline for the team to submit their opening-night roster. On Sunday, the team had 27 players on their roster, with four players listed as injured.
One notable name on the roster is 2022 first-round draft pick Liam Ohgren. The promising 20-year-old left wing from Stockholm had one goal and one assist this preseason.
Minnesota opens the season at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.