If the Minnesota Wild are open to moving Jesper Wallstedt, the Ottawa Senators should be on the phone. Elite goaltending prospects rarely become available, and when they do, the asking price is steep for a reason. Wallstedt is not just another goalie prospect—he is widely viewed as a future franchise starter and would fit perfectly into the Senators’ long-term plans as they try to stabilize their identity.
The Wild, however, are not looking for futures or draft picks. Reports suggest Minnesota wants a top-six center who can help now, a demand that immediately narrows the list of trade partners. However, Ottawa happens to be one of the few teams that can make a realistic offer.
Jesper Wallstedt’s Value on the Trade Market
Wallstedt’s pedigree is well established. Drafted 20th overall in 2021, he has consistently checked every box teams are looking for in a modern NHL goaltender: size, positioning, poise, and elite tracking ability. He has already shown he can handle a heavy workload in professional leagues, and many believe he is ready to transition into a full-time NHL starter.
Related: Ottawa Senators Could Be Facing a Trade Deadline Dilemma
Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
It comes down to timing. Filip Gustavsson is in his prime, and the Wild are still trying to be competitive in the Central Division. Having two potential starters but no depth at center is not a luxury they can afford. This is why the Wild’s interest in acquiring a legitimate top-six center makes sense.
Senators’ Goaltending Question Isn’t Going Away
The Senators have been working to find a solution to their goaltending conundrum for years, and while they have seen glimpses of competence, the situation is still unsettled. If the Senators want to move from being a “promising but inconsistent” team to a legitimate contender, stabilizing the goaltending position for the next ten years would be a huge step forward.
Wallstedt would instantly be the most important long-term piece of the Senators’ goaltending prospects. At 23 years old, he is also part of the same generation as Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson, and Thomas Chabot, all of whom are entering or in the prime of their careers.
Why Wild Wan a Center—and Why Senators Should Listen
The Wild, on the other hand, simply do not have a true impact center who can drive offence on a nightly basis, especially one young enough to grow with their core. That’s where the Senators enter the picture. Dylan Cozens and Shane Pinto are potential discussion topics. Tim Stützle, of course, fits the bill as well, but there’s simply no chance Ottawa would consider dealing him.
Stützle is a true franchise player who scores a point per game, has elite skating, and elite creativity. Trading him would negate the addition of a goaltender like Wallstedt in the first place. That leaves Cozens and Pinto.
Trade Option 1: Dylan Cozens as the Centrepiece
Cozens is the best fit for Minnesota – a 24-year-old center with size, speed, and legitimate two-way upside. With 40 points in 52 games this season, he has shown he can contribute offensively while handling tough minutes. He is also cost-controlled and young enough to remain effective throughout the Wild’s competitive window.
Proposed trade:
Minnesota receives: Dylan Cozens, 2026 2nd-round pick
Ottawa receives: Jesper Wallstedt
From Minnesota’s perspective, this gives them an immediate top-six center who can play in all situations. From Ottawa’s side, it is a painful but defensible move if they believe Wallstedt will be the long-term solution in net. The hesitation for Ottawa is obvious: quality centers are difficult to replace. But elite goaltenders are even harder to acquire, especially at Wallstedt’s age.
Trade Option 2: Shane Pinto Plus Assets
If Ottawa wants to avoid moving Cozens, Shane Pinto becomes the alternative. Pinto may not have the same offensive ceiling, but he is a reliable two-way center who can still grow into a larger role. With 26 points in 42 games, he has quietly been effective at just 24 years old.
However, Pinto alone likely does not meet Minnesota’s demand. The Wild would almost certainly ask for more.
Proposed trade:
Minnesota receives: Shane Pinto, Ridly Greig, 2026 1st-round pick
Ottawa receives: Jesper Wallstedt
This is a higher price, but it allows the Senators to keep Cozens while still addressing the Wild’s need for centre depth and competitiveness. Greig adds edge and versatility, while the 1st-round pick could make up for the difference between Pinto and a true top-line center.
Why Stützle Is Untouchable
Stützle should not be part of these discussions.
Tim Stutzle, Ottawa Senators (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
At 23 years old, Stützle has already established himself as a franchise centrepiece, leading the Senators in scoring while driving play at an elite level. Trading him for a goalie—even one as talented as Wallstedt—would create more problems than it solves. If the Wild insist on Stützle, Ottawa must walk away.
The Risk—and Why Senators Must Still Consider It
Trading a top-six center is never comfortable, especially for a team still trying to climb the standings. There is the risk of assuming Wallstedt becomes an elite NHL starter. Goaltending development is rarely linear. But the potential upside is enormous.
A core of Stützle, Tkachuk, Sanderson, Chabot, and Wallstedt would give Ottawa stability at every position. That is how contenders are built—not by constantly patching holes, but by committing to elite talent when the opportunity presents itself.
Senators Have a Rare Opportunity
The Senators might not need to trade for Jesper Wallstedt—but they have a rare opportunity here. If the Wild are serious about moving him for a top-six center, Ottawa is one of the few teams positioned to engage without tearing down its entire foundation. Whether that means Cozens or a larger package built around Pinto, the Senators should be calling, listening, and pushing the conversation forward.
If Wallstedt becomes available and Ottawa stays on the sidelines, they may be watching another franchise solve its goaltending problem for the next decade—while they continue searching for answers.
