Wild's Gustavsson faces hip surgery, leaving playoff hero Wallstedt as top goalie
Minnesota Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson will undergo offseason hip surgery due to wear and tear. The procedure raises questions about his readiness for the start of training camp. Meanwhile, rookie Jesper Wallstedt has stepped up as a reliable option in net. Gustavsson, who signed a five-year, $34 million contract extension last autumn, had a mixed season. He posted a 28-15-6 record in 49 regular-season starts, with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. However, his performance dipped late in the year, leading to his benching at the start of the playoffs.
Wallstedt took over as the team’s top goalie and delivered strong results. In 33 regular-season starts, he recorded an 18-9-6 record, a 2.61 GAA, and a .915 save percentage. During the playoffs, he won five of 10 starts, allowing three or fewer goals in seven of those games.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin has expressed confidence in the team’s goaltending situation. Both Gustavsson and Wallstedt are viewed as capable No. 1 goalies, and the pair have worked effectively in a tandem system.
The surgery stems from general wear and tear rather than a specific injury sustained in the playoffs. Gustavsson’s recovery timeline will determine his availability for the upcoming season. Wallstedt’s emergence provides the Wild with a strong alternative in goal. The team’s goaltending depth remains a key asset as they prepare for the new campaign.
