The Minnesota Wild are reportedly considering trading their promising rookie goaltender, Jesper Wallstedt, to address other needs on their roster, specifically the need for a center. This potential move has sparked speculation about who would fill the void in the net, with the name Marc-André Fleury emerging as a possible solution.
General Manager Bill Guerin is exploring options to improve the team, and Wallstedt's name has surfaced in trade discussions. While the Wild's current goaltending tandem of Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson has been statistically strong, Guerin appears willing to shake things up to bolster the team's overall competitiveness.
Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas of Sportsnet reported on their "32 Thoughts: The Podcast" that Wallstedt's name is being circulated in trade talks. Mike Russo of The Athletic suggested that if Wallstedt were to be traded, bringing in Fleury, who recently retired, could be a viable option instead of acquiring another backup goalie.
Wallstedt, 23, is currently in his first full NHL season and has posted a 12-5-4 record with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 21 starts. He was drafted 20th overall by the Wild in 2021 and is on a two-year, $4.4 million contract. Gustavsson, 27, has a 17-9-3 record with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in 33 starts this season. He has also signed a five-year, $6.8 million AAV contract extension.
Fleury, 41, retired after last season but remains close to the Wild organization in an informal front-office role. He has also agreed to serve as a fill-in goalie during Olympic break practices next month when both Gustavsson and Wallstedt represent Sweden. Despite being retired, Fleury admitted that he misses playing and the feeling of competing. He also confirmed that multiple NHL teams have contacted him about potentially returning for a final run this year.
Trading Wallstedt would be a significant move for the Wild, as he is considered a top prospect and potential future star. However, the team's need for a center and the presence of Gustavsson, who has secured the starting role, may make Wallstedt expendable. If the Wild were to trade Wallstedt, Fleury could provide a veteran presence and a reliable option in goal.
The Wild's willingness to consider trading Wallstedt highlights their urgency to improve their roster for a playoff push. With the trade deadline approaching, it remains to be seen whether Guerin will pull the trigger on a deal involving Wallstedt and whether Fleury would be willing to come out of retirement to rejoin the Wild.
