Minnesota Wild Recalls Goaltender Johan Gustafsson

Sep 27, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Johan Gustafsson (31) makes a save during the third period against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. The Blues won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

According to the team’s official website, the Minnesota Wild have recalled Swedish netminder Johan Gustafsson from Iowa of the American Hockey League.

While Harding did sustain a lower-body injury in last night’s 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, it’s not considered long-term. That said, Gustafsson is very unlikely to see any time on the ice with Minnesota, unless Niklas Backstrom re-aggravates the knee strain he incurred earlier in the season.

In the first three games of his North American pro rookie season, Gustafsson has notched a 2-0-0 record, 1.99 goals against average, .935 save percentage and one shutout. The 6’2″ 199-pound 2010 sixth round pick played for Lulea of the Swedish Elite League the past few seasons, notching a 20-13-0 record, 1.70 goals against average, .929 save percentage and four shutouts in 33 games last season.

With the Wild’s No. 4 goalie manning the bench in Minnesota, No. 3 Darcy Kuemper is the man in Des Moines. In three games with Iowa, the 2010-11 Canadian Hockey League Goalie of the Year has notched a 2-1-0 record, 2.36 goals against average and .925 save percentage. It’s unknown as of yet who Iowa will recall to back him up, but my guess would have to be Orlando Solar Bears goalie John Curry.

Gone Puck Wild will keep you updated as the situation develops.