Samuel Hlavaj Stuns Finland, Sparks Jesper Wallstedt Trade Talk

Slovak goalie Samuel Hlavaj delivered a memorable performance in Slovakia’s Olympic upset victory over Finland on Wednesday. In the men’s tournament opener, Hlavaj set a national record with 38 saves in a 4-1 upset win. The previous record, 37 saves, was set by Jan Laco in 2014. For a player having a rough AHL season with Iowa, this was the kind of performance that makes scouts and general managers take notice.

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Hlavaj, 24, has struggled this season, posting a .884 save percentage with a 3.33 goals against average in the AHL. Yet, against Finland, he stood tall in the crease, stopping 38 of 39 shots for a staggering .974 save percentage. His stellar performance shows just how unpredictable the Olympics can be, often putting a name on the map that most fans didn’t know about.

Hlavaj has excelled internationally in the past, but this is a different stage. It’s the kind of showing that will have people asking questions in Minnesota, where the Wild own his rights.

Could This Lead to Jesper Wallstedt Trade Talk?

One game does not make an NHL superstar. In fact, it might not even prove Hlavaj can be a viable backup. That won’t stop fans, analysts, and insiders from being up trade proposals, teasing that the Slovak netminder is the next big thing.

Perhaps Hlavaj’s performance raises questions about the future of the Wild’s goaltending pipeline. Jesper Wallstedt, the organization’s top goalie prospect, has been the focus of trade speculation in recent weeks. This performance won’t quiet the noise. Could Hlavaj’s Olympic heroics accelerate discussions about Wallstedt’s role or potential move?

Sportsnet’s Mark Spector posted, “With Slovak goalie Samuel Hlavaj property of the Minnesota Wild, does his Olympic performance affect the immediacy of a Jesper Wallstedt trade? Hmmm….” And so it begins…

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