According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, watch for the Ottawa Senators to enter into trade discussions for Jesper Wallstedt, should the Minnesota Wild make their top prospect goaltender available ahead of this season’s trade deadline.
Speculation has picked up regarding Wallstedt, in part because the Wild are looking for a top center. Also, because Samuel Hlavaj shone in Slovakia’s Olympic win over Finland. Perhaps he gives Wild GM Bill Guerin some comfort that trading Wallsted won’t cripple the team’s goaltending.
Wallstedt, 23, is an RFA in 2027. He’s having a solid season for the Wild and many teams will see him as a future No. 1 in the NHL. He may not be there quite yet, but Ullmark’s personal struggles and some inconsistency means the Senators might be looking for something more than a backup. A 1B option would be ideal. And, at a current cap hit of $2.2 million, Wallstedt is affordable.