Filip Gustavsson to Undergo Offseason Hip Surgery, Wild's Goaltending Future in Question

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin announced on May 18 that goaltender Filip Gustavsson will have hip surgery this offseason to treat general wear-and-tear. The procedure is slated for “as soon as possible,” and the team will evaluate his readiness for the 2026-27 training camp after the operation. The timing leaves his availability for the season’s start uncertain.

Wild’s Gustavsson Headed for Hip Surgery, Camp in Doubt

Gustavsson posted a 28-15-6 record, a 2.69 GAA, a .903 save percentage and four shutouts in 49 regular-season starts. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt recorded an 18-9-6 mark, a 2.61 GAA, a .915 save percentage and four shutouts in 33 starts, and he took over the net for most of the playoff run. Gustavsson appeared only in Game 2 of the second-round series, a 5-2 loss. Gustavsson signed a three-year deal in July 2023 and will begin a five-year, $34 million extension (average $6.8 million) in 2026-27, with a full no-trade clause for the first two years and a no-move clause through 2028.

Wild’s Gustavsson to have offseason hip surgery

Guerin expressed confidence in the goaltending situation, calling both netminders top-tier goalies who give the team the luxury of rotating a fresh, rested netminder each night. He pledged the organization will take any action needed to improve the team and pursue a championship. He said the surgery will be performed promptly and that the exact timeline will be known after the operation.

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Sources differ on Gustavsson’s training-camp readiness. Guerin said the timeline is unknown until a post-op evaluation, while other reports suggest the surgery could delay his return and leave Wallstedt as the de-facto starter. No medical prognosis or expected recovery date has been disclosed.

Wild’s Gustavsson Headed for Hip Surgery, Camp in Doubt

• “I like our goaltending situation, to be quite honest with you.” — Bill Guerin, General Manager, Minnesota Wild

Wild’s Gustavsson Headed for Hip Surgery, Camp in Doubt

• “We'll do whatever we can to make this team better and better so we can win a championship," Guerin said.” — Bill Guerin

ESPN

• “as soon as possible.” — Bill Guerin (on surgery timing)

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• “I thought our competition was really good in everything, from every day being in practice, to competing in drills, to what we did off ice, and to competing to play the games,” — Jesper Wallstedt, Goaltender, Minnesota Wild

ESPN

If Gustavsson’s recovery extends into the fall, Wallstedt is expected to start the 2026-27 season as the undisputed starter. The Wild may explore inexpensive depth via free agency or trade to support the tandem. The team’s cap flexibility, highlighted by recent extensions, offers maneuverability, but final roster moves will hinge on Gustavsson’s post-surgery health assessment.

ESPN