Minnesota keeps their trend of big ticket extensions going today as they have reportedly extended their starting goalie Filip Gustavsson to a 5 year $6.8 million deal via insider Emily Kaplan.
This news comes after the Wild have gotten significant contract extensions done with other key parts of their core ahead of this season, including Kirill Kaprizov and Marco Rossi.
Gustavsson has emerged as a solid starter for Minnesota during his 3 year Wild tenure. Last season, he recorded a 31-19-6 record with a 2.56 GAA and .914 SP%.
What does this move mean for Minnesota?
This is a good deal for Minnesota to get their starting goaltender locked up for the long term future at a fair price. Gustavsson has quietly placed himself among the league’s best netminders with the numbers he has amassed throughout his Wild stint.
This move provides the Wild with long term stability in net. With the loss of legend Marc-Andre Fleury in the offseason, even more of an onus will be set on the play of “Gus” in goal. Jesper Wallstedt will back him up, the promising 22 year old tender will be given his first true NHL test as a fulltime backup behind Filip Gustavsson.
The Wild have clearly raised the expectations ahead of this season by getting these important deals done now. Minnesota is expected to be more than just a playoff team, Cup contention is the standard. The Minnesota Wild have not won a playoff series since 2015.
