Minnesota Wild netminder Filip Gustavsson faces hip surgery for an injury that may have contributed to his struggles late in the season, team officials announced Monday.
The procedure’s timing remains uncertain regarding whether the 27-year-old goalkeeper will be ready when training camp begins. Wild general manager Bill Guerin indicated Monday that the operation would happen “as soon as possible.” Guerin explained that the problem stemmed from gradual wear and tear rather than a specific incident.
The hip problem may explain why Gustavsson’s play deteriorated toward season’s end and why he only appeared in one playoff contest. Rookie netminder Jesper Wallstedt took over as the primary goaltender during Minnesota’s postseason campaign, which concluded in the second round following their elimination by the Colorado Avalanche.
When speaking with media members on Friday, Gustavsson made no reference to any physical ailments. The Swedish goaltender has secured a five-year deal worth $34 million that kicks off with the 2026-27 campaign.
This past season, Gustavsson compiled a 28-15-6 record alongside a 2.69 goals-against average and four clean sheets across 50 appearances, starting 49 of those contests. During his lone playoff appearance in Game 2 against Colorado, he surrendered four goals while making 18 saves in a 5-2 defeat.
Throughout his career spanning one-plus seasons with the Ottawa Senators (2020-22) and four campaigns with the Wild, Gustavsson has posted a 111-74-26 mark with a 2.67 GAA and 15 shutouts over 219 games, starting 210 of them.
The 23-year-old Wallstedt recorded an 18-9-6 regular season performance with a 2.61 GAA and four shutouts in 35 games, making 33 starts. He went 5-5-0 with a 2.77 GAA during 10 playoff starts.
Guerin expressed satisfaction with his goaltending duo – both hailing from Sweden – and indicated no urgency to move either player via trade.
“I like our goaltending situation, to be quite honest with you,” Guerin said. “Both of our goalies are No. 1 goalies, you know? The luxury of it is being able to put a fresh, rested goalie in the net every night, and you know both guys are signed. They’re both very good. They work well in a tandem. They support each other. I’m very comfortable with where it is.”
