The Minnesota Wild have made a significant move by signing goaltender Filip Gustavsson to a five-year contract worth $34 million. This deal, which carries an average annual value of $6.8 million, is set to begin with the 2026-27 season. The Wild are clearly investing in their future by locking in a talented goalie who has shown impressive performance in recent seasons.
Filip Gustavsson’s Impressive Performance
Gustavsson, 27, had a standout season last year, posting a record of 31 wins, 19 losses, and 6 overtime losses, along with a commendable 2.56 goals-against average. He also achieved a .914 save percentage and recorded five shutouts throughout 58 games, marking career highs in both wins and shutouts. This performance has solidified his position as a key player for the Wild moving forward.
Currently, Gustavsson is in the final season of a three-year contract that he signed on July 31, 2023. Had he not re-signed, he would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency after this season, making this contract extension a strategic decision by the Wild management.
In an exciting moment for both Gustavsson and the franchise, he made history on October 15, 2024, by scoring an empty-net goal in a 4-1 victory against the St. Louis Blues. This achievement not only made him the first goalie in Wild history to score a goal but also placed him among the elite, as he became the 15th goalie in NHL history to be credited with a goal.
Gustavsson was originally drafted 55th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016. Since then, he has built a solid career, boasting an 83-59-20 regular-season record, a 2.67 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and 11 shutouts in 169 games (161 starts) with both the Ottawa Senators and the Wild. His playoff experience includes a record of 4-6, with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in 11 appearances.
In addition to Gustavsson’s contract, the Wild have also recently signed forward Kirill Kaprizov to an impressive eight-year, $136 million contract, with an annual value of $17 million. This series of signings showcases the Wild’s commitment to building a championship-caliber team.
The Minnesota Wild are set to open their regular season on Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues at 8 p.m. ET, and fans are eagerly anticipating how these new contracts will impact the team’s performance this season.