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Bill Guerin could be preparing to trade prized gem Jesper Wallstedt in order to land a top forward, at least according to what several rumors are suggesting.
Well-known insider Elliotte Friedman just dropped a major piece of information during the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast.
According to Friedman, Minnesota is seriously evaluating the possibility of moving its goalie of the future to address a hole up front.
Jesper Wallstedt, 23 years old, is nonetheless having an absolutely outstanding first full season in the NHL.
The Swede, selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft at 20th overall, has already established himself as a sure thing.
He has already posted 12 wins and four shutouts in just 21 starts behind a significantly improved defensive group.
His numbers are eye-popping as well, with a .914 save percentage and a 2.70 goals-against average.
This sudden breakout, however, has created a major logjam in the Wild’s crease, since Filip Gustavsson already occupies plenty of space.
The Minnesota Wild have reportedly placed goaltender Jesper Wallstedt on the trade market: a dream solution for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens
Minnesota fans are torn between keeping their prodigy or pushing all-in for the Stanley Cup right away.
There is a palpable nervousness within the organization since the blockbuster acquisition of defenseman Quinn Hughes last December.
Bill Guerin had to pay a steep price by giving up Marco Rossi, which left the team very vulnerable at the center position.
Hughes’ arrival has propelled the Wild into the top three of the Central Division.
Filip Gustavsson, 27, is already under contract with the club through 2031 with a hefty $6.8 million per season deal.
That financial security makes Wallstedt “available” in management’s eyes as a luxury trade chip.
Very few teams can boast having a goaltender of that caliber at such a low cap hit.
Bill Guerin has proven he isn’t afraid of bold moves to transform his roster into a legitimate contender.
What it could realistically cost the Montreal Canadiens to acquire Jesper Wallstedt
If Kent Hughes calls Bill Guerin about Jesper Wallstedt, the price will be steep.
Minnesota would be seeking immediate help up front, meaning a young, NHL-ready forward would likely be required, not just picks or long-term projects.
A deal could involve players like Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, or Oliver Kapanen along with a first-round pick or a top prospect.
The Canadiens could also sweeten the deal by including Josh Anderson with salary retention, a power forward who could thrive in the playoffs for the Wild in a rugged Western Conference.
Given Wallstedt’s age, contract, and rapid emergence, this would be a major swing for Montreal, and one that would force Hughes to give up a meaningful piece of the rebuild.
The coming weeks should be interesting in Minnesota before March, but it’s clear that Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens absolutely need to call the Wild about Wallstedt.
With Samuel Montembeault’s struggles and the lack of consistency from young Jakub Dobes, landing a goalie like Wallstedt could be massive.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics