Red Wings prospect William Wallinder faces a make-it-or-head-back-to-Sweden season this fall.
At 24 years of age, the 6’4,” 209-pound defenseman is out of waiver-exempt options, so he has to make the Red Wings’ roster–beating out both Axel Sandin Pellikka and free agent signing Jacob Bryson–to ensure that his future remains in Detroit.
It’s possible that he’d be picked up on waivers if he’s waived, but another season spent in Grand Rapids would most likely mean that the former Rogle BK defenseman would head back home to Sweden to chase a bigger paycheck in his mid-20’s.
Anyway, Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen profiles the late-blooming defenseman this morning…
Three Reasons Why Wallinder Will Play in the NHL
- Plays a safe, consistent game that helps teams keep the puck out of their net. Quality skater.
- Has worked hard to make himself a strong one-on-one defender. He knows how to use his size, reach and mobility to break up rushes.
- Smart player who understands what he needs to do to be an effect pro. Projects to be a respected third pairing performer.
What May Hold Him Back
In three AHL seasons, he has put up point totals of 15, 19 and 20 points. He’s not going to be a big point producer. He even says he doesn’t see himself as an offensive player.
To earn playing time, Wallinder needs to be much better defensively than the other two-way defensemen on the team.
Continued; Allen presumes that Wallinder would be claimed off the waiver wire due to his size and solid skill set, but I’m not so certain about that. Here’s hoping he makes Detroit’s blueline and puts those worries to rest.
