The Minnesota Wild have secured a significant future for their team by signing goaltender Filip Gustavsson to a lucrative contract. The 27-year-old player has agreed to a five-year, $34 million deal, which takes effect in the 2026-27 season.
Details of the Contract
Filip Gustavsson’s new agreement will see him earning an average annual value (AAV) of $6.8 million. The contract includes a no-move clause effective until June 30, 2028. In the last three years of this deal, the clause shifts to a 15-team no-trade stipulation.
Career Performance and Previous Contract
Gustavsson is currently in the final year of a three-year contract worth $11.25 million, which pays him a salary of $3 million this season with a $3.75 million cap hit. His performance has been noteworthy; over three years with the Wild, he has a record of 73 wins, 46 losses, and 17 overtime losses.
Recent Statistics
- Goals Against Average: 2.59
- Save Percentage: .914
- Shutouts: 11
In the previous NHL season, his stellar performance included a goals-against average of 2.10 and a save percentage of .931, ranking him second in the league. His achievements have solidified his reputation as a top goaltender.
Market Trends in Goaltending
The market for starting goalies has seen substantial increases. Evolving Hockey projects that Gustavsson could have commanded a higher AAV of approximately $7.46 million. Recent contracts for goalies include:
| Player | Contract Value |
|---|---|
| Dustin Wolf | $7.5 million |
| Lukas Dostal | $6.5 million |
| Logan Thompson | $5.85 million |
| Spencer Knight | $5.8 million |
| Mackenzie Blackwood | $5.25 million |
| Joey Daccord | $5 million |
| Karel Vejmelka | $4.75 million |
Looking Ahead
Gustavsson’s journey with the Minnesota Wild took a positive turn after he joined the team from the Ottawa Senators. His commitment to the team reflects his appreciation for playing in Minnesota, where he and his family have thrived.
As the season progresses, Gustavsson’s role as the primary goaltender will be crucial for the Wild’s ambitions of contending for the playoffs again. His recent performances in preseason games, including a pivotal game against the Chicago Blackhawks, have demonstrated his skill and reliability under pressure.
