If you are wondering why the Ottawa Senators are sitting on the outside looking in at the playoff picture this season, you don’t need to look much further than the crease. NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic recently reported that Ottawa would almost certainly be holding down a postseason spot right now if they had received even league-average goaltending. Sitting 32nd overall with a dismal .873 team save percentage at the Olympic break is a tough pill to swallow for a roster built to win right now.
But there is a silver lining emerging from the rumor mill: the Minnesota Wild’s Jesper Wallstedt. The allure of acquiring the young Swedish phenom is immediate. Wallstedt provides elite insurance behind No. 1 Linus Ullmark, instantly transforming Ottawa’s greatest weakness into a formidable tandem. Even better, Wallstedt is on a highly cost-controlled contract through next season, making him the perfect financial fit alongside Ullmark’s much pricier deal. By adding Wallstedt, Ottawa doesn’t just put out today’s fire—they fortify the franchise’s crease for the next decade.
What an Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild Trade Looks Like
Finding the right trade package is the notable barrier here. The Senators do not own their 2026 first-round pick, meaning GM Steve Staios has to use his current roster to satisfy Minnesota. The Wild are in win-now mode and have a glaring need for a top-six center to drive play.
To land a franchise-altering goalie without emptying the draft cupboard, Ottawa has to execute a blockbuster “hockey trade” that gives up premium, proven talent. The perfect centerpiece? Dylan Cozens.
Though Ottawa acquired Cozens last season, sending him to Minnesota immediately solves the Wild’s 1C/2C problem and provides a massive roster upgrade. The main hurdle would be fitting Cozens’ $7.1 million cap hit into Minnesota’s books, meaning Ottawa might need to retain a small amount of salary or take a depth contract back to make the math work. Still, Cozens for Wallstedt is the kind of aggressive, needle-moving swap both organizations desperately need to meet their current competitive timelines.
Tracking the Latest Ottawa Senators News and Rumors
The Olympic break gives Ottawa a moment to regroup, but the front office is clearly working the phones. If you want to stay up to date on finding the latest Ottawa Senators news, including whether this Wallstedt rumor becomes reality, be sure to bookmark nhltraderumor.com. While you’re here, check our daily schedule to see how to watch the Senators game on TV today. Also, don’t miss out on the action—join our NHL Playoff Hockey Pool for cash prizes as we gear up for the postseason push!
A #2 centre for a struggling rookie goalie? Not a chance.