Confirmed Signing with Link: [MIN] G Jesper Wallstedt signs extensions with the Wild (2 years, $2.2M AAV; begins 2025-26)

Dr Jan Itor

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Uncle Scrooge

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Has anyone ever signed a multi-million contract without actually being on the roster before? I'm assuming Gus and MAF run the net this year and they're penciling him to replace MAF next year.

Just curious.
 

AKL

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Has anyone ever signed a multi-million contract without actually being on the roster before? I'm assuming Gus and MAF run the net this year and they're penciling him to replace MAF next year.

Just curious.

He made the roster. They're going to carry three goalies.
 

HockeyVirus

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Time for this guy to show real potential. Too much hype to not show he is an NHL goalie this year
 

Obvious Fabertism

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Has anyone ever signed a multi-million contract without actually being on the roster before? I'm assuming Gus and MAF run the net this year and they're penciling him to replace MAF next year.

Just curious.
He’s on the roster right now, they have been planning a 3 goalie rotation with whoever is hottest getting the bulk of the starts.
 

frightenedinmatenum2

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He’s on the roster right now, they have been planning a 3 goalie rotation with whoever is hottest getting the bulk of the starts.

Is Fleury there to babysit them, or is he still going strong?

Three goalie rotations almost never work. It makes me wonder if it is just optics, and they will waive or trade Gustavsson. The only way I could see this working is if it is a unique situation where Fleury doesn't really expect to play much, and is more in a player-coach/mentor type role.
 

nergish

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I'm a big fan, and believe in the upside.

A bit lame that these kids can just kinda call the shots these days with zero experience, but he has done everything asked of him along the way. Still in my eyes the best goaltending prospect in the world. Let's see that translate to the next level.
 
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ThatGuy22

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Is Fleury there to babysit them, or is he still going strong?

Three goalie rotations almost never work. It makes me wonder if it is just optics, and they will waive or trade Gustavsson. The only way I could see this working is if it is a unique situation where Fleury doesn't really expect to play much, and is more in a player-coach/mentor type role.
It's more or less they want to get Wallstedt 20 to 30 NHL games this year so he's ready for next year. He'll go down to the AHL at times to get games as well.

Beyond that with MAF and Gustafson they'll ride the hot hand with the rest of the games.
 

Obvious Fabertism

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Is Fleury there to babysit them, or is he still going strong?

Three goalie rotations almost never work. It makes me wonder if it is just optics, and they will waive or trade Gustavsson. The only way I could see this working is if it is a unique situation where Fleury doesn't really expect to play much, and is more in a player-coach/mentor type role.
It most likely works out with Fleury getting only select starts unless Gus shits the bed again. Fleury has been pretty candid about being flexible in his role and playing the mentor, they specifically put Wallstedt right next to him in the locker room and are rotating through more in practice. Recent Athletic articles talks about it quite a bit and Guerin interviews have said they will handle it very carefully.

So far both Fleury and Wallstedt have said all the right things to the media, Gus sounded motivated by it too, ideally he rebounds and the Wild enter next season with him and Wallstedt.
 

biturbo19

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Have to wonder if this extension is a bit of a pat on the back for a real solid camp, before sending him down. Like, "here's a cookie as a show of faith for the track you're on - before we send you down until you're needed". A sort of reassurance that the organization is committed to him as the future, but probably realizes that carrying 3 goalies is a dumbfoundingly stupid idea (especially when one of them is young like Wallstedt and needs to be playing a lot).
 

DaveG

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Has anyone ever signed a multi-million contract without actually being on the roster before? I'm assuming Gus and MAF run the net this year and they're penciling him to replace MAF next year.

Just curious.
Kochetkov had all of 7 games NHL experience when he signed his 4 year extension, though he was with the Canes as a call-up at the time.
 

MuckOG

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Have to wonder if this extension is a bit of a pat on the back for a real solid camp, before sending him down. Like, "here's a cookie as a show of faith for the track you're on - before we send you down until you're needed". A sort of reassurance that the organization is committed to him as the future, but probably realizes that carrying 3 goalies is a dumbfoundingly stupid idea (especially when one of them is young like Wallstedt and needs to be playing a lot).

The Wild won't carry 3 goalies all season. Depending on how Fluery holds up and Gus looks, he should get about 20 NHL starts and a good number of starts in Iowa as well.
 

ThatGuy22

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Have to wonder if this extension is a bit of a pat on the back for a real solid camp, before sending him down. Like, "here's a cookie as a show of faith for the track you're on - before we send you down until you're needed". A sort of reassurance that the organization is committed to him as the future, but probably realizes that carrying 3 goalies is a dumbfoundingly stupid idea (especially when one of them is young like Wallstedt and needs to be playing a lot).

No, they've been pretty open with their goalie plans this year.

The Wild told Wallstedt to find housing in Minnesota, and not to get housing in Iowa. He's going to be with the NHL squad most of the time. They've also been open that there will be times he sent to Iowa to get starts when it makes sense in schedule wise, but those will be quick trips.

This year for Wallstedt is 100% about prepping him for taking over next year.
 
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