Minnesota Wild Secure Filip Gustavsson with 5-Year $34 Million Extension Deal

Minnesota Wild Secures Future with Filip Gustavsson’s Five-Year Extension

In a strategic move to fortify their roster for the upcoming seasons, the Minnesota Wild have signed their No. 1 goaltender, Filip Gustavsson, to a five-year contract extension worth $34 million. This deal, which features an average annual value of $6.8 million, will commence in the 2026-27 NHL season. The extension not only highlights the team’s commitment to Gustavsson but also reflects the scarcity of available goaltenders in the next offseason.

Key Details of Filip Gustavsson’s Contract

The contract extension includes a no-move clause that will be in effect until June 30, 2028. Furthermore, during the final three years of his new contract, this no-move clause will convert into a 15-team no-trade clause, enhancing Gustavsson’s security with the franchise.

Gustavsson’s Journey with the Minnesota Wild

The 27-year-old goaltender expressed his enthusiasm for the extension in a recent interview, stating, “For the past three years, I’ve enjoyed playing here. My family loves living here, and it’s been great to me.” As the Wild secured a contract extension for star forward Kirill Kaprizov, discussions with Gustavsson progressed swiftly.

Performance Metrics and Future Expectations

Entering the final year of his previous three-year, $11.25 million contract, Gustavsson’s current salary is set at $3 million, complemented by a $3.75 million cap hit. His impressive performance record further justifies the Wild’s investment:

• Overall Record: 73 wins, 46 losses, 17 overtime losses
• Goals-Against Average: 2.59
• Save Percentage: .914
• Shutouts: 11

In the 2022-23 season, following his trade from the Ottawa Senators, Gustavsson achieved remarkable statistics, recording a 2.10 goals-against average—the second-best in the NHL—alongside a .931 save percentage, trailing only Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark. Last season, he built upon this foundation, posting a record of 31-19-6 while handling a career-high 58 games.

Recent Preseason Performance

In his final preseason appearance, Gustavsson showcased his skill in a tight matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, securing a 3-2 victory. He made 15 of 26 saves in the critical third period, helping his team maintain their lead. Coach John Hynes praised Gustavsson, stating, “He settled in and made some big saves for us. He came up big during penalty kills and made crucial stops late in the game.”

The Goalkeeper Market and Future Contracts

The current landscape for starting goaltenders has seen escalating contract values. Evolving Hockey projected Gustavsson’s market value for a five-year deal at $7.46 million on average. Recent contracts in the league underline this upward trend:

Gustavsson’s new contract signals the Minnesota Wild’s commitment to building a competitive team around a solid foundation of talented players, ensuring they remain a formidable presence in the NHL in the coming years.