NHL Rumors: What Will the Minnesota Wild Pay Jesper Wallstedt?

Jim Biringer analyzes the contract outlook for Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, who is in the final season of his contract carrying a $2.2 million cap hit. With Minnesota having already signed fellow goaltender Filip Gustavsson to a five-year, $34 million extension worth $6.8 million annually, the organization faces key salary cap decisions regarding its tandem.

Biringer argues that Wallstedt's performance merits an average annual value between $8 million and $9 million on his next deal, comparing his situation to recent market-setting goalie contracts across the league. He notes that general manager Bill Guerin must balance Wallstedt's potential long-term compensation with overall roster competitiveness under a rising salary cap.