Even though Marc-André Fleury hasn’t retired yet, young up-and-comer Jesper Wallstedt knows what he has to do to one day become the Minnesota Wild’s starting goalkeeper.
Obviously, it is very unlikely that the 20th overall pick in the 2020 draft will cloud the situation in the club’s training camp. Marc-André Fleury and Filip Gustavsson will be the Wild’s two goaltenders this season.
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However, Wallstedt now knows what to expect and feels prepared for the upcoming deadlines.
“I think I feel more comfortable and I’m calmer and more ready to take on the challenge this year and do my best,” Wallstedt told NHL.com on Thursday. I returned to Sweden [durant la saison morte]So I’m back on a bigger ice surface, but I’m feeling better about this transition [vers l’Amérique du Nord] and I know what to expect and how to adapt and change. It feels good. »
The Vasteras, Sweden native had a good first season in the American Hockey League last year, posting an 18-15-5 record, a 2.68 goals-against average and a .908 efficiency rating.
Wallstedt was scheduled to make his National Hockey League (NHL) debut in 2024-2025 as the spot occupied by Fleury was set to become vacant. The latter is entering the final year of his contract with the team this season.
However, general manager Bill Guerin doesn’t want to dwell on his colt, the 20th overall pick in the 2021 draft. His education in Iowa could continue beyond the upcoming campaign.
“I’m not willing to make predictions or rush into anything without us having to,” Guerin said. We don’t have to. When the time comes, the right time, he will get his chance. We do not know. It could be sooner rather than later. We will let it go and be patient. »