Sweden enters the Olympics with questions in goal and several options to choose from. Coaches kept their plans private while teams prepared for a tight schedule. That situation has drawn extra focus toward younger players gaining international exposure.
The attention now connects to trade talk involving a young Swedish goalie and the Ottawa Senators.
Wild Goalie Jesper Wallstedt on Senators’ Radar in NHL Trade Talks
Sweden coach Sam Hallam did not name his starting goalie before the Olympic opener against Italy. Filip Gustavsson, Jacob Markstrom, and Jesper Wallstedt remain in the mix for early games.
Hallam told reporters the decision would come when the roster becomes official later in the day. He also said, “We have a plan,” but added that anything during a game could change that plan.
Wallstedt enters the Olympics after a strong rookie season with the Minnesota Wild. The 23-year-old holds a 14-5-4 record with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.
Wallstedt also recorded 4 shutouts and earned praise for his calm positional style. His performance placed him in early Calder Trophy conversations and increased league-wide interest.
The Ottawa Senators have appeared in recent rumors tied to the young goalie. Ottawa entered the Olympic break with a 28-22-7 record and stayed within reach of a playoff position
The team averages 3.30 goals per game while allowing 3.23, which keeps pressure on its goaltending group. Defensive issues and a penalty kill near the bottom continue to create concern.
NHL insiders Chris Johnston and James Mirtle discussed Ottawa’s situation in a recent The Athletic column. They wrote, “The Senators would almost certainly be holding down a playoff spot right now if they’d received better goaltending this season.”
They added that Wallstedt could provide insurance behind Linus Ullmark and improve the current tandem. The insiders also mentioned his contract fits well with Ullmark’s higher cap hit.
“In effect, the Senators would essentially be fortifying the organization’s present and future at the position by adding the young Swede.” Johnston and Mirtle added.
Johnston and Mirtle explained that trade talks would not be simple for Ottawa. The Senators do not hold their 2026 first-round pick, which limits easy draft-based offers. Still, they noted that several roster players could help form a workable trade package. They described the move as one that could help both current results and long-term depth.
READ MORE: Ottawa Among ‘Several Teams’ Lining Up for $50,000,000 Blueliner
Wallstedt remains under contract through the 2026-27 season with a $2.2 million cap hit. That manageable number makes him appealing to teams needing a young goalie without major financial risk. His Olympic appearances could raise his value if he earns playing time in Milan.
Ottawa resumes NHL play against Detroit on Feb. 26 and continues to evaluate its roster needs. The Senators reached the playoffs last year and will look to do so again.
