The Minnesota Wild announced two roster changes as they prepare for their trip to Sweden. Before leaving for the NHL Global Series in Sweden on Monday night, the Wild made two expected changes to the roster. The first was putting Freddy Gaudreau on Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) and recalling goalie Jesper Wallstedt from the Iowa Wild to travel with them as a third goalie.
Gaudreau was injured during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 14. After taking a big hit from former Wild teammate Ryan Reaves, Gaudreau managed to play the next four games but wasn’t playing at his full capacity. He is being placed on LTIR retroactively, so he will still be eligible to play Sunday’s game against the Maple Leafs in Sweden. Gaudreau has just started skating but might be ready to go. Either way, he will be traveling with the team, as will Alex Goligoski, who remains on LTIR. Placing Gaudreau on LTIR frees up cap space so that the team is able to bring a 23rd player.
The team recalled Wallstedt to travel with them to Sweden. All teams playing in Sweden are allowed to bring a third goalie along as cap-free insurance. Wallstedt’s salary only counts toward the cap if he has to play. Placing Gaudreau on LTIR frees up some money so that if Filip Gustavsson or Marc-Andre Fleury are injured or sick while in Sweden, Wallstedt can step in, and the Wild can remain cap-compliant.
Kirill Kaprizov was out of practice today, and while coach Dean Evason stated that it was a maintenance day, there is a possibility that they may have to call up another forward from Iowa if Kaprizov is injured.
