Filip Gustavsson’s lower-body injury has given Jesper Wallstedt an extended opportunity in the Minnesota Wild crease, and the young Swede is making it count. At 23, Wallstedt is handling a demanding role for a team competing at the top of the Western Conference. His performances have earned praise from teammates and head coach John Hynes. While his development over the past year has put him in a position to handle the responsibility. With no projected timetable for Gustavsson’s return, Wallstedt remains an important part of Minnesota’s plans.
Kirill Kaprizov and John Hynes Praise Jesper Wallstedt’s Confidence and Consistency
Wallstedt has an 8-2-3 record with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage through 13 starts. He leads NHL goaltenders in appearances, starts and time on ice (784:28), while ranking second in wins and 10th in both goals-against average and save percentage. Minnesota entered Saturday with a 9-3-3 record, sitting first in the Western Conference and Central Division.
Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov has been impressed with Wallstedt’s confidence and ability to make important saves.
“Yeah, he’s unreal. He’s always, he was unreal last year too. His playoffs and all season was really good. This year I think he has more confidence, and when you need a save from your goalie, he does it all the time.”
Head coach John Hynes also praised his consistency, positioning and ability to read plays.
“I think he’s playing a consistent, solid game. He sees traffic well. He’s in his net well. I think he reads the plays very good. And when he has that mindset and he’s playing that style of game, it’s really consistent for him.” Hynes said.
Wallstedt Opens Up About Difficult Years Before His NHL Breakthrough
Wallstedt, meanwhile, is not looking too far ahead despite his strong start. He remains focused on his responsibilities with Minnesota.
“I appreciate everyone that watches me and wants to be like me, but I think it’s a far line of sight to get all the way back there right now. It’s making sure I’m taking care of the every day and winning games. That’s my main objective.”
He admitted that the difficult stretch made him question whether he would get another opportunity.
“I’ve had so many ups and downs throughout the road,” Wallstedt said. “I’ve had three long years in Iowa and a really bad third year where it’s like, ‘OK, am I even going to get here … am I even going to get the chance again?’”
His ambition began in Sweden, where he watched New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist with his older brother. Those late nights helped shape his dream of playing in the NHL. “Wallstedt told NHL.com, “The dream was always to be like him and win over here and play in the NHL.”
Minnesota selected him 20th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, but he spent three seasons with its AHL affiliate, Iowa. His 2024-25 campaign was particularly difficult, as he finished with a 3.59 goals-against average and an .879 save percentage. Wallstedt played 35 regular-season games last season after making only five NHL appearances across the previous two seasons.
Topics mentioned in this article
Source link
[ad_3]
