When a young goalie with high-end potential like Jesper Wallstedt starts making the rounds in NHL trade rumors, you can bet front offices across the league are paying attention. Elite goaltending is one of the rarest commodities in the sport - and Wallstedt, at just 23 years old, has the kind of upside that could reshape a franchise’s future.
While teams like Ottawa and Edmonton have been floated as potential suitors - and both would make sense given their current goaltending situations - one analyst has pointed to a less obvious, but potentially perfect fit: the Vancouver Canucks.
Martin Biron’s Case for Vancouver
During a recent segment on TSN, former NHL netminder Martin Biron made a compelling argument for why the Canucks should seriously consider making a move for Wallstedt. His take? This isn’t just about filling a short-term need - it’s about future-proofing the most important position on the ice.
“I’m looking at the Vancouver Canucks,” Biron said. “You’re going to say I’m crazy - they have Thatcher Demko. Yeah, but Demko is out for the season now, and I don’t know what his health is going to be long term.”
That’s the key point here. Demko, when healthy, is one of the better goaltenders in the league.
But health has been a recurring issue, and it’s fair to wonder how much longer the Canucks can bank on him being their long-term solution in net. Biron suggests Wallstedt could be the answer - not just as a backup plan, but as a potential heir apparent.
“With Wallstedt, you have a younger player who can develop into a top goaltender,” Biron continued. “I think he’s going to be really good, and that could be the next replacement for Thatcher Demko… So I’m looking at Wallstedt and saying, let’s look at the future.”
Wallstedt’s Stock Is Rising
There’s a reason Wallstedt is generating buzz. He’s having a strong campaign, sitting at 14-5-4 with a 2.72 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage, and four shutouts. That’s not just solid - that’s the kind of stat line that puts him on the radar as a potential No. 1 goalie in the near future.
He’s also locked into a manageable contract - the first year of a two-year, $4.4 million extension he signed with Minnesota in 2024 - which gives teams some cost certainty at a position that’s notoriously volatile.
Why Vancouver Makes Sense
On paper, Vancouver might not seem like the most obvious destination. After all, Demko and Kevin Lankinen are both under contract beyond the 2025-26 season.
But that’s exactly why a bold move now could pay off down the line. If Demko’s health remains uncertain, and if Lankinen is viewed more as a reliable backup than a long-term starter, Wallstedt could step into a major role sooner than later.
The Canucks’ front office, led by Jim Rutherford and GM Patrik Allvin, has already shown a willingness to swing big - just look at the recent Quinn Hughes blockbuster with Minnesota. That deal also laid the groundwork for a strong working relationship with Wild GM Bill Guerin, which could come into play if talks around Wallstedt heat up.
Of course, acquiring a goalie of Wallstedt’s caliber won’t come cheap. Guerin is reportedly targeting a top-six center in return - and with Elias Pettersson’s name still floating in trade rumors, the pieces for another significant deal could be there. Whether it happens before the deadline or in the offseason, Vancouver has the assets and the motivation to make something happen.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about plugging a hole in the crease. For a team like Vancouver, which is still in the midst of a retooling phase, adding a young, high-upside goalie like Wallstedt could align perfectly with their long-term vision. Goaltending can cover up a lot of flaws - and if Wallstedt lives up to his potential, he could accelerate the Canucks’ path back to contention.
It’s a bold idea. But in today’s NHL, where the margin between playoff hopeful and lottery team is razor-thin, bold might be exactly what Vancouver needs.