The Iowa Wild are sending two of their brightest stars to the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Tech CU. Forward Nic Petan and goaltender Jesper Wallstedt have been officially selected to represent the Central Division at the prestigious event, set to take place in San Jose, California, on February 4th and 5th. This announcement, made by the American Hockey League (AHL) on January 10, 2024, highlights the exceptional talent and performance emanating from the Iowa Wild this season.
Nic Petan: Leading the Charge for Iowa
Nic Petan, a 28-year-old forward, has been nothing short of sensational for Iowa this season. His offensive prowess has made him a key figure for the team, consistently delivering high-impact performances. Through 26 games, Petan has amassed an impressive 28 points, broken down into 10 goals and 18 assists. Notably, six of his goals have come on the power play, demonstrating his effectiveness in crucial offensive situations. Adding to his dynamic play, Petan has also accumulated 14 penalty minutes.
Petan’s contributions extend beyond the AHL. He made his season debut with the Minnesota Wild, Iowa’s NHL affiliate, on November 18, 2023, against Ottawa. In five NHL games this season, he has provided two assists, showcasing his ability to contribute at the highest level. Throughout his NHL career, Petan has played 169 games, accumulating 35 points (7 goals, 28 assists) and 46 penalty minutes across stints with Minnesota, Vancouver, Toronto, and Winnipeg.
His AHL career is even more extensive. Over eight seasons and 263 games, Petan has established himself as a force, racking up 269 points (90 goals, 179 assists) with a plus-17 rating. His scoring touch is further emphasized by 33 power-play goals and 20 game-winning goals. This consistent high level of performance solidifies Nic Petan’s reputation as a top player in the AHL and a valuable asset to the Iowa Wild organization.
Drafted by Winnipeg in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft, Petan’s journey reflects his dedication and skill. His commitment was further cemented when Minnesota signed him to a two-year, two-way contract on July 13, 2022, highlighting the organization’s belief in his abilities both in the AHL and potentially in the NHL.
Jesper Wallstedt: A Tower of Strength in Goal
Jesper Wallstedt, the young and highly touted goaltender for Iowa, joins Petan at the All-Star Classic. At just 21 years old, Wallstedt has quickly become recognized as one of the AHL’s premier netminders. His current season record stands at 11 wins, 9 losses, and no overtime losses across 20 games. Wallstedt boasts an impressive 2.54 goals-against average (GAA) and a stellar .917 save percentage (SV%), accompanied by two shutouts.
Wallstedt’s statistical achievements place him among the league’s elite goalies this season. He is tied for fifth in the AHL in shutouts, tied for sixth in wins, and ranks ninth in save percentage. His consistent excellence has been recognized with two Howies Hockey Tape/AHL Player of the Week awards during the 2023-24 season. These accolades, earned for weeks ending November 5th and December 3rd, underscore his dominant performances and crucial contributions to Iowa’s success.
In his AHL career spanning two seasons and 58 games, Wallstedt has amassed 29 wins, 24 losses, and 5 overtime losses, maintaining a 2.63 GAA, a .911 SV%, and three shutouts. During his rookie season in 2022-23, he was already making waves, ranking fourth among AHL rookie goaltenders in GAA, tied for fourth in wins, and fifth in save percentage. His standout performances earned him the AHL Goaltender of the Month award in January 2023 and a previous selection to the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic, marking his second consecutive All-Star nod.
Before turning pro, Wallstedt represented Sweden on numerous occasions, including the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship (where he won a bronze medal) and the 2021 tournament, as well as the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. His time in the Swedish Elite League with Lulea further showcased his talent, where he posted a 2.23 GAA and .907 SV% in 2020-21, ranking fourth in the league in GAA.
The Minnesota Wild selected Wallstedt in the first round (20th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, reflecting his high potential and the organization’s long-term investment in his goaltending future.
2024 AHL All-Star Classic Rosters
The 2024 AHL All-Star Classic will feature a showcase of talent from across the league. The full rosters for each division are as follows:
Atlantic Division: BRI – Ruslan Iskhakov; CLT – Lucas Carlsson; HFD – Mac Hollowell, Brennan Othmann; HER – Ethen Frank, Dylan McIlrath (“C”), Clay Stevenson; LV – Samu Tuomaala; PRO – Georgii Merkulov; SPR – Dylan Coghlan, Adam Gaudette; WBS – Joel Blomqvist.
North Division: BEL – Angus Crookshank, Max Guenette; CLE – Jake Christiansen, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Jet Greaves; LAV – Logan Mailloux; ROC – Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen; SYR – Gage Goncalves; TOR – Dennis Hildeby, Alex Steeves; UTC – Graeme Clarke.
Central Division: CHI – Rocco Grimaldi; GR – Jonatan Berggren, Simon Edvinsson; IA – Nic Petan, Jesper Wallstedt; MB – Brad Lambert; MIL – Yaroslav Askarov, Spencer Stastney; RFD – Ethan Del Mastro; TEX – Matej Blumel, Mavrik Bourque, Logan Stankoven.
Pacific Division: ABB – Arshdeep Bains; BAK – Raphael Lavoie; CGY – Matt Coronato, Dustin Wolf; CV – Ryker Evans; COL – Riley Tufte; HSK – Adam Cracknell (“C”); ONT – Brandt Clarke; SD – Olen Zellweger; SJ – Danil Gushchin; TUC – Dylan Guenther, Matt Villalta.
Looking Ahead
The selection of Nic Petan and Jesper Wallstedt to the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic is a well-deserved recognition of their outstanding play and contributions to the Iowa Wild. Fans of the Iowa Wild and hockey enthusiasts alike will be eagerly watching as these two talented players represent Iowa on the All-Star stage in San Jose. Their participation not only highlights their individual achievements but also underscores the strength and depth within the Iowa Wild organization. For more information about the Iowa Wild and to follow Petan and Wallstedt throughout the season, visit www.iowawild.com.
