This note comes from DetroitRedWings.com’s Josh Berenter, who wrote a 2nd-day-of-the-draft article for the Wings’ website today:
With the first pick of the second round (No. 32 overall), Detroit selected Swedish blueliner William Wallinder, a 6-foot-4, 192-pound force who many experts projected as a first-round talent.
“It doesn’t matter if you go in the first or second round. The only thing that matters is what you do after the draft,” Wallinder said. “You still keep working hard and going for it. You can’t stop working because you didn’t go in the first round. So it really doesn’t matter (where I was drafted). It just feels good to be a player for the Detroit Red Wings. It feels amazing. Just proud to be part of this amazing organization.”
Yzerman said he’s impressed with Wallinder’s game and his ability to play in all situations.
“He’s 6-4, (with a) left shot. Good skater, plays a relatively simple game,” the Wings’ GM said. “He moves well, he’s mobile. I’d say he’s more of a two-way guy. He should be able to play as a two-way defenseman who can log minutes.”
