"Money well spent": NHL fans react as Jesper Wallstedt signs 2-year, $4.4 million contract extension with Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild secured a valuable member of their organization who could play a key role in their future success. Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt was re-signed to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $2.2 million; the deal will begin at the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

His current entry-level contract with an AAV of just under $1 million expires after the current season.

As soon as the announcement was made on Minnesota's X (formerly known as Twitter) account, fans started sharing their reactions, with most of them being positive.

"Money well spent," said one fan.

"The beginning of 'The Great Wall of St. Paul'", wrote @GonFree88703502.

"Needs to level up .. great signing #InBillyiTrust," wrote @00BrianJames00.

"What’s the plan with the goalies in MIN? Got 3 they’re gonna have on the active roster and ride the hot hand?" wondered @Autumn_Voyage_.

"GET HIM IN THE LEAGUE NOW . TRADE GUSTY" wrote @yvnks.

Jesper Wallstedt is considered future goaltender for the Wild

Wallstedt was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and has widely been regarded as Minnesota's goaltender of the future.

He's played the majority of his professional career in the minors with the American Hockey League affiliate Iowa Wild, amassing a record of 40-34-12 with a 2.69 goals-against average, a .909 save percentage, and three shutouts.

The Wild are currently set at the goaltending position thanks to the presence of Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury. Although both goaltenders struggled last season, this will be Fleury's final NHL campaign.

He may not make the lineup when the Wild hit the ice for their regular season opener. Wallstedt feels he's accomplished the goal of making the team.

“This was my goal coming in,” said Wallstedt. “I’ve just been loving every day to show up here and compete, and being around these guys has been awesome.

“I want to be here every day. So this is definitely a goal that I wanted to do. But keep on working, take it day by day and continue to develop. I want to play games. So there’s always going to be new goals, too. When you get to the goals you want to get to, there are always new goals coming up. So now it’s time for the next one.”

The Wild will begin their regular season on October 10 when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST.