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With their first pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and 19th overall (technically 20th), the Minnesota Wild selected Swedish goaltender Jesper Wallstedt after trading with the Edmonton Oilers.
Wallstedt was the highest-ranked goaltender in the draft and was almost a lock to get into the top 10, but he slowly fell into Minnesota’s hands and they just had to trade a bit to secure him. For the 20th overall choice, they traded the 22nd and 90th overall caps – a fairly easy trade to do if that means they can catch a very, very promising goalkeeper.
Just read a few good words from a smart guy:
Wallstedt got off to a great start, as the rare first-year draft-eligible not only to play, but to excel in the SHL as well. He fell in the second half, but his work between junior, pro and international is pretty solid. Wallstedt’s athletic toolbox doesn’t immediately jump out at you. He is around 6ft 3in tall and moves well, but not at an elite level. What makes him such a great goalie is his extraordinary sense and his ability to follow the puck. It does the right thing at a remarkably high frequency, with little unnecessary movement in the net. Wallstedt can make a tough save when he needs it and has some lateral quickness, but it often seems like he doesn’t need to adjust his technique much on a given save, especially when the puck is in the out zones. high percentage. In one sentence, Wallstedt projects himself as a quality starting goaltender in the NHL. – Corey Pronman, Athletics
With a shortage between the pipes beyond Kaapo Kahkonen in terms of young goalkeepers, the Wild really bolster their future projections with this pick. Hunter Jones and Dereck Baribeau are good options, but they are certainly not Wallstedt who was once one of the best goalies in the Swedish Premier League Hockey League, playing against top shots.
He’ll stay in the SHL next season, but beyond that it’s certainly interesting with more and more young goaltenders taking over in the NHL – whether it’s Spencer Knight, Alex Nedljkovic or Carter Hart, he There have been enough young guys to take the job that Wallstedt could be in Minnesota in the next few years is possible.
By announcing the choice, the late family of the late AGM Tom Kurvers received the honor.
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