The American Hockey League announced today that goaltender Jesper Wallstedt has been named to the AHL’s top prospects team. Joining him are New Jersey Devils’ prospect Simon Nemec, Columbus Blue Jackets’ defender David Jiricek, Buffalo Sabres’ forward Jiri Kulich, Chicago Blackhawks’ forward Lucas Richel, and Philadelphia Flyers’ forward Ty Foerster.

Just a week ago we rated Wallstedt as the Minnesota Wild’s number-one prospect in their very deep pool that is quite possibly the best in the NHL.

The former 2021 first-round pick went 18-15-5 in the AHL with the Iowa Wild where he notched a 2.68 goals-against-average and a .908 save percentage with one shutout.

Wallstedt also played in the World Championship this year with team Sweden where he went 3-0-0 with a 0.67 goals-against-average and a .947 save percentage with one shutout. The tournament took place after the Iowa Wild were eliminated from the playoffs.

The 20-year-old goaltender had a couple of milestones during his first year in the AHL. The same night he recorded his first AHL win was also the night he scored an empty net goal in the 5-2 win over the Chicago Wolves.

After starting the season a bit slow, Wallstedt earned AHL goaltender of the month in January for his 6-0-0 record that saw the 6-foot-3 goaltender post a 1.16 goals-against-average and a .958 save percentage.

The top prospect will look to build off his impressive rookie season with Iowa in the upcoming season and prove he is just a few steps away from the NHL.

But this honor proves the future is very bright in Minnesota.