Panthers Should Check the Availability of Wild Goaltender Filip Gustavsson

The Florida Panthers are sitting on their couches this offseason, something they’re not used to after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups. With a record of 40-38-4 and 84 points, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Additionally, they are the first team in NHL history to miss the postseason after winning consecutive championships.

This offseason also comes with a lot of questions. One of those is about the starter in the crease. Both goaltenders, Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov, will be free agents on July 1. In addition, talks with Bobrovsky about a possible extension are not looking good. There could be a hole between the pipes.

On the bright side, general manager Bill Zito has multiple ways to address this. One idea that could work is looking to go after Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson. With Jesper Wallstedt having an iron grip on the number one spot, Gustavsson could claim that in Broward County.

Gustavsson’s Professional Resume

Gustavsson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 in the second round, 55th overall. But he would not play a single minute for the organization. On Feb. 23, 2018, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators, along with Eric Cole and Pittsburgh’s first-round selection in the 2018 NHL Draft, in exchange for Vince Dunn and Ottawa’s third-round pick in that same draft.

He would not see his first taste of the NHL until the shortened 2021 season, where he played nine games. Through those games, he had a save percentage (SV%) of .933, a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.16, and five wins. The following season, he played in 18 games. However, his stats took a nose dive. He matched his previous win total with five, but it came with a 3.55 GAA and a .892 SV%.

In the summer of 2022, he was traded to the Wild in exchange for goaltender Cam Talbot. He’s been there ever since. In his first season with them, he posted a career-best 2.10 GAA, along with 22 wins and a .931 SV%. In four seasons in St. Paul, he’s had a GAA of 2.60 and averaged a .913 SV%. This past February, he got to represent his country of Sweden and partake in the Winter Olympics. He could be a great replacement between the pipes.

27 Is Still Young for a Goalie

The Swedish goalkeeper is only 27 years old. Given the longevity of goaltenders when they’re healthy, that’s still young.

Florida has even seen a few goalies themselves go into their late 30s or early 40s. A couple of good examples include Roberto Luongo and Ed Belfour. In Luongo’s second stint with the Panthers, he was 34. He played with them until he retired at 40. Belfour would play in the 2006-07 season at 41. If it goes well, the team can get a lot out of Gustavsson.

He Can Reunite With a Fellow Countryman

The only notable player on the Panthers who is from Sweden is defenseman Gustav Forsling. He’s also been selected for Team Sweden on multiple occasions.

Assuming Gustavsson makes the move, he’ll be joined by a fellow countryman who joined him in the Olympics. It will make the adjustment easier on him.

What Is it Going to Cost?

With the emergence of Wallstedt, the Wild may not want much in return for Gustavsson. But given the change in direction on how goaltending loads have been handled over the years, Minnesota has most of the leverage in what they could get from Zito.

Florida may have to give up their ninth-overall pick to try and bring him in. Additionally, they may go as far as sending a prospect like Jack Devine or Cooper Black.

What’s Going to Happen?

The only issue with grabbing him is that he may not be ready to go for October, as he had a major surgery not too long ago. But given the fact that the team does not have a true future in net, giving the Wild a call is not a bad idea. Especially if it means bringing in some good talent.