What is Jesper Wallstedt's role in Minnesota Wild trade discussions?

Jesper Wallstedt is considered a valuable trade asset for the Minnesota Wild, particularly for acquiring a top-six center.

Why is patience important for the Minnesota Wild's trade strategy?

Patience is emphasized to avoid trading valuable assets like Wallstedt for lesser players, potentially missing out on larger, more impactful acquisitions later.

Who is the Minnesota Wild's starting goaltender long-term?

Filip Gustavsson is the established starting goaltender, with a long-term contract and no-move clause, making Jesper Wallstedt expendable for the right trade.

Home / Sports / Wild GM's Olympic Trade Talk: A Risky Gamble?

Wild GM's Olympic Trade Talk: A Risky Gamble?

5 Feb

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Summary

Wild GM Bill Guerin is exploring trades during Olympic break.
Jesper Wallstedt is a key trade asset for acquiring a center.
Patience is urged due to potential for bigger future deals.

Wild GM's Olympic Trade Talk: A Risky Gamble?

Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and GM Bill Guerin is reportedly engaged in trade discussions while attending the Olympics, even with his primary focus on coaching Team USA. The Olympic trade freeze, ending February 22, does not halt these conversations. A major point of speculation involves young goalie Jesper Wallstedt, who is considered a valuable asset for acquiring a much-needed top-six center.

Despite the urgency to upgrade the center position, the article emphasizes Guerin's strategy of patience. The Wild have a depleted prospect pool, making it crucial to avoid trading away valuable assets like Wallstedt for short-term gains. The long-term outlook suggests that waiting for potentially larger opportunities, possibly in the summer or next season, might be more beneficial than making a move before the trade deadline for players like Vincent Trocheck or Ryan O'Reilly.

Filip Gustavsson's long-term contract and no-move clause through 2031 solidify his position as the starting goaltender, making Wallstedt expendable if the right trade emerges. The article also touches on other potential trade targets and assets, including Danila Yurov, but reiterates the organizational philosophy of prioritizing established, top-tier talent over future prospects in their current win-now mode.