Jesper Wallstedt Signed to Extension by Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild have gotten one key extension signed in advance of the season opener, as they've agreed to terms with promising young goaltender Jesper Wallstedt.

It's been a good preseason for the 21-year-old, who not only has secured himself a spot on the opening day roster, but now also has a new two-year, $4.4 million extension with a $2.2M AAV. Most importantly for him, it's a one-way contract. The Wild obviously expect him to stick with the big team as of next year.

#mnwild have extended Jesper Wallstedt's contract. Two-year, $4.4 million deal starts next season ($2.2M AAV)
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) October 7, 2024

The extension kicks in after his entry-level deal expires at the end of this season.

The 21-year-old former first-rounder by the Wild (20th overall, 2021 NHL Draft) has had two impressive seasons with the Iowa Wild in the AHL, posting an overall save percentage of .909 (.910 in 2023-24), and a goals against average of 2.69 (2.70 last year). He got into three games last season with Minnesota, posting a shutout and going 2-1-0 with a .897 Sv%.

Last month, Wallstedt was named the No. 2 goaltending prospect in the NHL, behind only Yaroslav Askarov, according to Daily Faceoff.

He'll join returning veterans Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury to start the season as the Wild netminders.