Jesper Wallstedt

For the third draft in a row, there’s an elite goaltender that looks to be a first-round talent. In the 2019-20 season, Wallstedt became the youngest goal- tender to ever play in the SHL and impressed in his debut. He has the potential to take over games and dictate the outcome from the crease. He has the size and skill of an elite goaltending prospect. His technical game is well ahead of his age group and you’ll rarely catch him out of po- sition in his net. He’s an athletic goaltender that can make a desperation save when needed, but his textbook play doesn’t usually need it. He remains extremely composed no matter what situation he’s in, and always seems very relaxed and poised in his net. His lateral movement it elite, he remains tight to his post when he needs to be, and he has the ability to push off and be in exactly the right position. He’s excellent in his angles and remaining square to the shooter, even when facing cross-ice passes and odd-man rushes. He can make impressive, high-light-reel saves when called upon, and his rebound control is incredible for his age. Other than his positioning, his tracking of the puck and play might be his best attribute. He certainly isn't athletically spectacular, in the Askarov vein, but that may be to his advantage. He keeps his head on a swivel and is extremely aware of where everyone is in his end on top of where the puck is. He is compact in his movements and positioning. Tracks the puck well, and shows excellent awareness on hockey sense when under attack. He is a late 2002 birthdate who in 2019-20 put up a .923 save percentage in 28 games with Sweden’s junior league, and had a start in the SHL, posted a .944 save percentage. Wallstedt has been starting games in SuperElit (Sweden’s junior league) since he was 15.  Teams will be scouting him heavily and looks to be the first Swedish (Jacob Markström was selected as the first pick in the 2nd round in 2008).

--Bill Placzek--