Wild sign top goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt to entry-level contract

The Minnesota Wild announced on Monday that they have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with top goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt.

Wallstedt, 19, was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The Vasteras (Sweden) native spent the 2021-22 season in the SHL with Lulea HF. In 22 games with Lulea HF, Wallstedt had a record of 12-10 with a 1.98 GAA, a .917 save percentage and three shutouts.

It will be interesting to see what the Wild decide to do with Wallstedt next season. There's likely a European assignment clause in his contract, so it's possible he returns to Lulea HF, but he is also eligible to play in the American Hockey League with the Iowa Wild.

But is it possible he finds his way into the crease in Minnesota right away? The Wild have to figure out whether or not they will bring back veteran netminder Marc-Andre Fleury and they will need to repair their relationship with Cam Talbot if they opt to keep him instead of trading him, which is a possibility.

The #mnwild has signed G Jesper Wallstedt to a three-year, entry-level contract. He went 11-9-2 with a GAA, a .918 SV% and 2 SO in 22 games with Lulea in Sweden's Elite League this season. Wallstedt led the League in GAA, ranked 4th in SV% and T-6th in SO. https://t.co/dOVc8jAipK— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) May 16, 2022