Watch CBS News

Wild Sign Goaltender Johan Gustafsson

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Wild have signed have signed rookie goaltender Johan Gustafsson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Wild announced the signing on Thursday, giving them five picks from the 2010 draft under contract. The 20-year-old Gustafsson had a 1.68 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage in the Swedish Elite League this season. He also helped lead Sweden to the gold medal at the 2012 world junior championship.

Gustafsson was a sixth-round pick in 2010. He will help add depth to the organization at goaltender behind Niklas Backstrom. It also could increase the likelihood that free agent veteran Josh Harding does not return.

Backstrom is entering the final year of his deal and the Wild also have Matt Hackett and Darcy Kuemper with their AHL team in Houston.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.