'There's a possibility for that': Jesper Wallstedt could be on his way to Minnesota

Wild's top prospect Jesper Wallstedt could be nearing a call-up to the NHL.

Since Filip Gustavsson was placed on the injured reserve list the Wild have started Marc-Andre Fleury in three straight games and soon to be four when Fleury starts against the Columbus Blue Jackets tomorrow on the road. 

But with Jesper Wallstedt recovering from an injury and having a great season down in Iowa, the Wild could look to recall their top prospect to provide a spark to this team that has lost four straight games. 

"Yeah, I am up to date on it," Wild head coach John Hynes said on Wallstedt's injury. "I don't know the exact injury that he has, but I know that he's on his way back shortly to be able to get in and get back up and running. So that's another situation we'll keep an eye on too for sure."

Wallstedt, 21, is 11-7-0 in the AHL this season with a .922 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average with two shutouts. 

When asked if Wallstedt could be recalled from the AHL to help the Wild, Hynes responded, "Yeah, there's a possibility for that. Absolutely."

Last year Wallstedt went 18-15-5 in his first season in the AHL with a .908 save percentage and a 2.68 goals-against average which earned him AHL Top Prospect Team honors.

The thought as of the start of the week was for the Wild's 2021 20th overall pick to be called up next week after he is 100 percent healthy to start in his first NHL game. This would help take a bit of the load off of Fleury's shoulder while Gustavsson remains out. 

If Wallstedt is to be called up, he would likely make his NHL debut against the Dallas Stars at home on Monday or against the Stars on the road on Wednesday.