Prospect Info: At 20th Overall the Wild Select Jesper Wallstedt

[Filip Karlsson]

Any chance he gets the start tomorrow?

I don't see it happening. Luleå were down 3-0 after Period 2, pretty sure Wallstedt just came in so they could rest their starter for today's game.

 

[AKL]

I don't see it happening. Luleå were down 3-0 after Period 2, pretty sure Wallstedt just came in so they could rest their starter for today's game.

Have they tried starting the better player so they aren't 0-3 after 2 periods?

 

[Filip Karlsson]

Have they tried starting the better player so they aren't 0-3 after 2 periods?

Have you watched them? Followed Lassinantti?

 

[AKL]

Have you watched them? Followed Lassinantti?

No, why would I do that? I just want my guy to start.

 

[Filip Karlsson]

No, why would I do that? I just want my guy to start.

Fair, Wallstedt's really good. But there's a reason Lassinantti is starting.

 

[PostFriend]

Fair, Wallstedt's really good. But there's a reason Lassinantti is starting.

Yes, Lassinantti is like Messiahs in Luleå and coach’s deeply religious.

 

[Spurgeon]

Fair, Wallstedt's really good. But there's a reason Lassinantti is starting.

Think a large reason would be that Wallstedt isn’t going to be there much longer. Makes sense the team would stick with their long-term starter, rather than give a start to a young kid that’s leaving.

 

[keppel146]

Russo said he’s close to signing?

 

[StateofCelly]

Russo said he’s close to signing?

Jesper had a lengthy goodbye message to Luleå on his Instagram I saw making the rounds earlier and then not long after that Russo put his tweet out about them being close to a deal.

 

[WV Wild]

Russo just tweeted out that the deal is offical and is expected to start next season in Iowa.

 

[bedtime20]

 

[Sad People]

I know comparisons arent really fair at all and especially comparing him to someone of this caliber but he reminded me of Vasi a bit in that highlight video Are they similar at all or is it just me?

His puck tracking skills look phenomenal

 

[Spurgeon]

I know comparisons arent really fair at all and especially comparing him to someone of this caliber but he reminded me of Vasi a bit in that highlight video Are they similar at all or is it just me?

His puck tracking skills look phenomenal

Agreed on his puck tracking. He looks exceptionally quick for his size too. That size + puck tracking makes me think we got a gem. Going to be very interested in how he progresses in the AHL. If he absolutely tears it up over a 20 game stretch, I think you consider bringing him up if Fleury/Gus are mediocre out of the gate.

 

[Sad People]

Agreed on his puck tracking. He looks exceptionally quick for his size too. That size + puck tracking makes me think we got a gem. Going to be very interested in how he progresses in the AHL. If he absolutely tears it up over a 20 game stretch, I think you consider bringing him up if Fleury/Gus are mediocre out of the gate.

Agreed I look forward to keeping an eye on him and his development this upcoming year

 

[P10p]

Always nice when the franchise gives you a reason to purchase the AHL package.

 

[57special]

McIntyre and Wallstedt will be a pretty nice tandem down in Iowa, hopefully. A lot better than Jones and Baribeau/Kozlewski.

 

[north21]

Between an old flower and a questionable Gus there are some decent odds Wally gets a few games with the big boys, but hopefully Gus finds his game again. Kind of a strange year for us where I don't really care what happens.

 

[thestonedkoala]

Between an old flower and a questionable Gus there are some decent odds Wally gets a few games with the big boys, but hopefully Gus finds his game again. Kind of a strange year for us where I don't really care what happens.

I hope not. Wally needs to stay in the AHL no matter the temptation to bring him up. MacIntyre should get the nod over Wally.

 

[north21]

Why not see who is playing better at the time? Why should McIntyre just get the auto call up because he is older by a decade? What would a couple of games hurt if he is playing well, kid has experience in the SEL.

 

[Sad People]

Scott wheeler has Jesper as his #1 ranked goalie prospect (shouldn’t be too surprising)

A little snippet from his write up
“Wallstedt’s the best goalie prospect on the planet for me. And that’s not meant as a slight to the next four names on this list, who each belong in that group or not far behind. But there’s just a control to his game that is so singular and rare in goalies his age.”

Behind a paywall but here’s the link

Scott Wheeler's top 10 drafted NHL goalie prospects ranking, 2022 edition

In the second part of the 2022 edition of his drafted NHL prospect rankings, Scott Wheeler evaluates the NHL's top goalie prospects.

theathletic.com

 

[BagHead]

One more thing, Wheeler has them broken into tiers (on a chart toward the bottom), and Wallstedt is in his own tier. Very high praise for the kid.

 

[Twoods1623]

I may just buy the AHL package just to watch him. I know there's a lot of potential talent down there, but he could be something special.

 

[Nino Noderreiter]

Wheeler also ranked Jesper (in the comments) in the tier II skater list (4-15). Impressive

 

[Al Lagoon]

I generally hate drafting goalies in the 1st round, but the way that shook out, best 1st round goalie draft pick the Wild might ever pull off value-wise.

 

[Puhis]

Just please, please let this kid take his chances, and give him time. I don't actually mind the odd call-up or two, if he's shown worthy, but otherwise let him develop. Going from SHL to North America is a big transition in terms of angles, timings, everything.

Let's not overreact to a rough start is what I'm sayin', even if I trust Jesper.