The National Hockey League is almost two months in and so far this season there is a surprise leader in shutouts. It happens to be Jesper Wallstedt of Vasteras, Sweden, who has three shutouts. Let’s take a look at Wallstedt, his three shutouts this season, his statistics in 2025-26, and his career statistics.
In depth look at Wallstedt’s shutouts
All three of Wallstedt’s shutouts came in the month of November. In these three shutouts, Wallstedt made 96 saves. On November 9, he made 36 saves in a 2-0 Wild win over the struggling Calgary Flames. On November 15, Wallstedt made 28 saves in a 2-0 Wild win over the Anaheim Ducks, and then on November 23, he made 32 saves in a 3-0 Wild win over the Winnipeg Jets.
Wallstedt’s 2025-26 season
Wallstedt is the backup goaltender in Minnesota, as he is behind Fillip Gustavsson of Skelleftea, Sweden. In 24 games, Gustavsson has played 16 games for Minnesota and Wallstedt has played eight games. Wallstedt has a record of six wins and two losses in extra time, with a spectacular goals against average of 1.94 and save percentage of .935. In addition to leading the NHL with three shutouts, Wallstedt leads the NHL with a .935 save percentage as he has only given up 16 goals this season during 248 shots. Wallstedt has made 232 saves.
You could make the argument that one of Wallstedt’s best games this season came in a game where he gave up three goals. On November 19, Wallstedt made a career-high 42 saves in a 4-3 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Wallstedt’s 42 saves were noteworthy when you consider the fact that none of the three saves Wallstedt made in the shootout were official, and that the Hurricanes have the second most points in the Eastern Conference with 30.
Wallstedt’s career statistics
Wallstedt has a record eight wins, three regulation losses and two losses in extra time with a save percentage of .915, goals against average of 2.50 and four shutouts. In Wallstedt’s first NHL game, he struggled mightily, as he gave up seven goals in a 7-2 Wild loss to the Dallas Stars on January 10, 2024. However, Wallstedt bounced back magnificently by making 24 saves in the 4-0 Wild win over the Chicago Blackhawks on April 7, 2024.
Third in the Central
The Wild have won six straight games and are in third place int the Central Division with a record of 13-7-4. Their 30 points are the third most in the Western Conference.
