{"id":456016,"date":"2026-02-12T20:05:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T20:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/456016\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T20:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T20:05:20","slug":"senators-prepared-to-swing-big-for-insurance-behind-linus-ullmark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/456016\/","title":{"rendered":"Senators Prepared to Swing Big for Insurance Behind Linus Ullmark?"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic<\/a>, watch for the Ottawa Senators to enter into trade discussions for Jesper Wallstedt<\/a>, should the Minnesota Wild make their top prospect goaltender available ahead of this season\u2019s trade deadline.<\/p>\n

Speculation has picked up regarding Wallstedt, in part because the Wild are looking for a top center. Also, because Samuel Hlavaj shone in Slovakia\u2019s Olympic win over Finland. Perhaps he gives Wild GM Bill Guerin<\/a> some comfort that trading Wallsted won\u2019t cripple the team\u2019s goaltending. <\/p>\n

Wallstedt, 23, is an RFA in 2027. He\u2019s 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n

\"<aJesper Wallstedt Senators trade rumor<\/p>\n

Johnston Likes the Ottawa Senators For Wallstedt<\/p>\n

Wallstedt\u2019s strong rookie season in Minnesota has drawn significant attention. He posted a 14-5-4 record, 2.68 GAA, .914 save percentage, and four shutouts. His consistency has put him on the early Calder Trophy watch and caught the eyes of league executives. Ottawa\u2019s interest is understandable, as the Senators, near a playoff spot, struggle defensively\u2014allowing 3.23 goals per game and relying heavily on goaltending amid a weak penalty kill.<\/p>\n

Johnston wrote in a recent article:<\/p>\n

The Senators would almost certainly be holding down a playoff spot right now if they\u2019d received better goaltending this season. They\u2019re 32nd overall with an .873 team percentage at the Olympic break. The allure of acquiring Wallstedt is that he\u2019d give them insurance behind No. 1 Linus Ullmark<\/a> and immediately improve their tandem. He\u2019s also on a cost-controlled contract through next season that should fit in with Ullmark\u2019s pricier deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnston seems to believe it would be worth a high price to fortify the Senators\u2019 goaltending, making them a near lock for the playoffs.<\/p>\n

However, it won\u2019t be cheap to acquire him. Johnston adds, \u201cFinding the right trade package is a notable barrier here. The Senators don\u2019t own their 2026 first-round pick, but they do have multiple roster players who could get a deal like this one across the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n

It seems unlikely that the Senators would trade one of their top centers to satisfy what the Wild are looking for, but they do have both Dylan Cozens<\/a> and Shane Pinto<\/a> on the roster, neither of whom have trade protection. Pinto has 15 goals and 29 points in 47 games. He\u2019s locked in until 2030. Cozens has 18 goals and 43 points in 57 games. He\u2019s under contract, also until 2030.<\/p>\n

Next: Same Team Popping Up as Elias Pettersson Trade Speculation Grows<\/a><\/p>\n

\tDiscover more from NHL Trade Talk<\/p>\n

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