2021 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Jesper Wallstedt
The Chicago Blackhawks need a franchise goaltender, even with the likes of Drew Commeso and Kevin Lankinen already in the organization
The Chicago Blackhawks are in need of a franchise-level goaltender. Throughout the Blackhawks’ history, they’ve had some elite goaltenders. Guys like Glenn Hall, Tony Esposito, Ed Belfour, and Corey Crawford come right to mind. Jesper Wallstedt could be that next guy for the Hawks.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Wallstedt is a 6’3” and 225-pound goaltender who spent this past year with Luleå HF of the SHL. You rarely see an 18-year-old play meaningful minutes in the SHL, let alone a goalie. It’s clear that Wallstedt is a special talent.
The 18-year-old netminder has many excellent qualities to his game. His puck-tracking is fantastic, he doesn’t allow many rebounds, he’s almost always in position (little-to-no extra movements), and he has the ideal size of an NHL goaltender.
The ‘big’ weakness in Wallstedt’s game is his athleticism/lateral movement. While he’s certainly not slow, it’s definitely the weakest part of his game. He can still make big/desperation saves, but he probably won’t make a ton of them (whether that’s because of his great positioning or his average-to-below average athleticism).
Statistical Profile:
Among goaltenders in the SHL (with at least 10 games played, 27 goalies eligible), Wallstedt, ranked 16th in save percentage (Sv%), fifth in goals-against average (GAA), and 14th in goals saved above average (GSAA). While these numbers don’t scream potential franchise goaltender, you have to remember that he was 18-years-old playing in one of the best leagues in the world. That in itself is impressive.
At the 2018/2019 Under-18s, Wallstedt posted the best stat line of any goaltender at that tournament. That included the likes of Spencer Knight and Yaroslav Askarov. While it was a small sample size, it was impressive nonetheless. At the 2020/2021 Under-20s, he put up fantastic numbers once again and also posted better numbers than Askarov.
Where Is He Ranked?
Wallstedt’s draft ranking has been very consistent throughout the year. I’ve seen him ranked as high as #1 by some people, but as low as #16 on some boards. Elite Prospects’ Consolidated Ranking has him at #10. Here are some of the rankings:
What Others Are Saying:
“Despite seeing his numbers drop a bit toward the end, it was a remarkable rookie season for the 18-year-old as he finished with a 2.23 GAA and a .908 save percentage in 22 games played. Wallstedt never looked out of place as his size and incredible IQ made the transition to pro hockey smooth. His ability to read the rush and breakdown plays before they happen is one of the strongest parts of his game. Wallstedt is athletic enough to make those desperation, flashy saves. The thing is, he rarely falls into scramble mode due to his really good edge work and strong positioning.”
“There’s power in his pushes and he’s quick enough on his feet (he’s certainly not slow) but Wallstedt’s game is built on the foundations of most other NHL goalies today: He fills the net, he plays sharp angles, he swallows his rebounds, his movement is compact, and he reads a shooter and his options so well that he rarely has to scramble.”
“He’s a strong, fluid skater in the crease, and doesn’t mind coming out to challenge oncoming threats. He’ll ramp up the aggression when necessary, but only when the moment calls for it. He tracks pucks well. He doesn’t get rattled when he makes a mistake. Wallstedt’s precise finding his parameters around the blue paint, and has a fairly evenly distributed ability to stop pucks with his hands.”
Film/Video:
Potential & Should The Hawks Draft Him?
Jesper Wallstedt has the potential to be a franchise-level goaltender in my opinion. Despite being a goalie he might be one of the safer picks in the draft as well. Most of his skills are well above average and he should only continue to get better.
If Wallstedt is there at 12th overall (technically #11), you take him right away. I get that the Hawks have Lankinen, Commesso, and Arvid Söderblom in the organization, but if you have a chance at a franchise-altering talent you take it. It sounds like the Hawks are pretty high on Wallstedt as well (according to Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman), and if he’s there they’ll probably take him.
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