Avalanche divisional rival reportedly closing in on massive contract with star goalie
Photo credit: Matt Blewett / Imagn Images
Reports indicate that the Colorado Avalanche's divisional rival, the Minnesota Wild, are closing in on a major contract deal to secure their star goaltender, Filip Gustavsson, in a move that could have a significant implications for the team and the division.
The Wild have been busy lately, locking up their top young star Marco Rossi to a contract extension.
Wild closing in on massive contract extension with star goalie Filip Gustavsson.
Gabriel Foley from Pro Hockey Rumors writes that with top restricted free agent Marco Rossi now locked into a three-year deal, the Wild can shift their focus to the 2026 offseason.
One of their biggest priorities will be deciding the future of their goaltending situation. Gustavsson will enter the final year of his three-year, $11.25 million contract next season and will be in line for a significant higher salary the following summer.
Before returning to Minnesota for training camp, Gustavsson told Michael Russo of The Athletic that he's open to signing a new contract.
I've had the conversations with my agent and all that stuff, and what we're looking into and what we would like to do {We} haven't started actively talking to {Bill Guerin} or anything. When they want to talk, then we talk, and otherwise I have this year left and I'm just gonna play and win." -Gustavsson
Gustavsson could benefit from showing early interest in an extension. Next season, he'll be backed up to top Wild goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt, following the retirement of hockey legend Marc-Andre Fleury. Wallstedt was a first-round selection, 20th overall, in the 2021 NHL Draft.
"With a path to the starting role carved out, Gustavsson quickly established himself as Minnesota's surest bet to win games. It is on the heels of that performance that tremendous Gustavsson will now beginning entertaining a new contract.
Even with the pressure of Wallstedt, there's no question over who Minnesota's top goaltender is. Gustavsson has shined as a consistent performer, through both extended runs in the regular season and spot performances in the playoffs." -Foley
Even with the pressure of Wallstedt, there's no question over who Minnesota's top goaltender is. Gustavsson has shined as a consistent performer, through both extended runs in the regular season and spot performances in the playoffs." -Foley
The Wild may wait to see how Wallstedt performs before committing to Gustavsson long-term, but with a 73-46-17 record and .914 save percentage in 142 games, he's unlikely to be unseated.
A big payday next summer seems all but certain.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 25 | 29 ANSWERS Avalanche divisional rival reportedly closing in on massive contract with star goalie Do you think Filip Gustavsson is the best goalie in the Central Division? | ||
| yes | 7 | 24.1 % |
| no | 22 | 75.9 % |
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