Gustavsson is nearing an extension with the Minnesota Wild, continuing a plan to lock in a core under 30 after Kirill Kaprizov’s eight-year, $136 million deal. The Swede posted a career-best season (58 games, 2.56 GAA, .914 SV%) and finished pick sixth in Vezina voting, underscoring why Minnesota wants stability in net.

The move signals a multi-year commitment to a young core (Boldy, Eriksson Ek, Faber) with Wallstedt waiting in the wings. Minnesota’s goaltending market is thin, and the Wild aim to rebound in a stacked Central after last year’s first-round exit to Vegas, while developing Ohgren, Jiricek, and Buium on entry deals.

Calder Trophy candidates Demidov, Snuggerud, Leonard, Koivunen, Misa, Shabanov, Rinzel, Parekh, Buium, Schaefer, Askarov and Merilainen stand out as high-upside targets for dynasty and keeper rosters. Demidov could hit a 65-point ceiling with Montreal if Laine and Dach stay healthy and gel; Snuggerud projects 60–65 on a top line; Leonard brings multi-cat value with scoring and hits; Koivunen could thrive on Crosby’s wing. Deeper leagues eye Misa, Rinzel and Parekh for immediate gains, while Buium and Merilainen loom as longer-term upside.

Value opportunities arise from top-line opportunities, exclusive power-play roles, and the ability to contribute across categories. The mix of young talent across Montreal, St. Louis, Washington, Pittsburgh and San Jose creates multiple viable in-season streams for fantasy managers. Dynasty rosters should pounce on these rookies now, and redraft players may find late-round steals among this group as the season unfolds.

In short, these rookies offer a blend of immediate point upside, multi-category contributions and long-term growth potential. Target the right mix of high-floor producers and high-ceiling dice rolls to build a versatile, championship-ready roster.