“I haven’t performed to the standards that I want to be at,” Wallstedt said. “The start I had in Iowa wasn’t proving that I belonged here at that time. But last couple weeks have felt way better.”
Wallstedt, who was drafted in the first round 20th overall in 2021, tweaked small details in his game, and he was competitive vs. the Golden Knights in only his fourth NHL appearance and first at Xcel Energy Center.
Last season, he was overwhelmed 7-1 by Dallas in his NHL debut but bounced back with a 24-save shutout vs. Chicago and another win over San Jose in which he allowed only two goals. Wallstedt signed a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension before this season.
“He gave us a chance to win the game [Sunday], which is good to see,” coach John Hynes said. “Now it just continues the process of helping a younger guy who’s got immense talent, who’s a big part of the future, just work through it. A lot of times when you go through some adversity, when you go through certain things like this, it does make you better.”
Considering the Wild don’t have much financial flexibility and they’re still dealing with injuries, Wallstedt’s stint isn’t likely to be permanent, but he’s hoping to keep developing while he’s here.
He won’t forget his lull earlier this season, but he’s also focusing on what’s to come.