Wild sign goalie Jesper Wallstedt to two-year contract extension

The Minnesota Wild have signed goalie Jesper Wallstedt to a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension, the team announced on Monday. The deal begins next season and keeps him under contract in Minnesota through the 2026-27 campaign.

Wallstedt, who turns 22 in November, was the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He has a $925K cap hit this year in the final season of his three-year rookie deal. This contract extension provides a bridge to what could be a big-money, long-term extension in a couple years if he lives up to his potential and becomes the Wild's No. 1 goalie.

Wallstedt made his NHL debut last season, starting three games. He allowed seven goals against the Stars in his first career game, but won his next two against the Blackhawks and Sharks, including a shutout against Chicago. Heading into this season, the Sweden native is still Minnesota's No. 3 goalie behind Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury.

The hope for the Wild is that Wallstedt eventually becomes a big part of their long-term future at the position. Fleury is 39 and set to retire after this season. Gustavsson, who was a bit inconsistent last year after a great 2022-23 campaign, could hit free agency in 2026 if he's not extended.

Wallstedt starred for Luleå HF in the Swedish Hockey League before coming to North America in 2022 and playing for the Iowa Wild over the last couple seasons. He has a career 2.69 GAA and 90.9 save percentage in 83 games with Iowa.

The Wild open the 2024-25 season on Thursday night against the Blue Jackets at Xcel Energy Center.