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Wild Consider Dealing Jesper Wallstedt to Acquire No. 1 Center

Insiders say Minnesota is entertaining offers for the 23-year-old to pursue a true No. 1 center.

Overview

  • Reports from The Athletic, echoed by Elliotte Friedman, indicate the Wild have floated Wallstedt in talks and may have already explored center-for-goalie scenarios ahead of the March 6 deadline.
  • Filip Gustavsson is positioned as the primary starter with a five-year, $6.8 million AAV deal beginning next season, narrowing Wallstedt’s long-term role in Minnesota.
  • Wallstedt’s trade value is buoyed by a strong overall rookie campaign (12 wins, 2.70 GAA, .914 SV%) despite a recent dip and fewer starts.
  • The 23-year-old is in year one of a two-year contract at a $2.2 million cap hit, a profile rival teams covet for a potential No. 1 job.
  • Minnesota’s win-now posture after adding Quinn Hughes, plus both goalies’ expected Olympic duty with Sweden, shapes the timing, and no trade has been completed.