Detroit Red Wings prospect developing into a star: "He's knocking on the door"
Photo credit: NHL.com
According to a statement from Grand Rapids Griffins Coach Brian Lashoff, defenseman William Wallinder is "knocking on the door" when it comes to a promotion to the Detroit Red Wings.
The Detroit Red Wings have restocked their prospect pipeline thanks to Steve Yzerman.
Since he began the rebuild in 2019, it has slowly paid off with players like Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Simon Edvinsson assuming roles in the organization.
Now, the team has another defense prospect ready for a promotion, according to a statement from Grand Rapids Griffins Coach Brian Lashoff.
William Wallinder's Next Steps with the Red Wings
William Wallinder was selected 32nd overall in 2020 and will be the next prospect to take a leap into the NHL.
Lashoff:
"He's steadily progressing into a guy that I think is definitely has potential to play," Lashoff said of Wallinder. "He, you know, took steps last year, playing more minutes, and we had (William) Lagesson with us at the start of the season, and then he went up to Detroit, so Wallinder took over a lot of that ice time. And I think he did well."
Wallinder has found his responsibilities and time on ice climbing as his development progresses in the AHL.
For Steve Yzerman, this is another testament to his drafting abilities.
For the young defenseman, this is a sign he will be considered for a spot in the NHL once it opens up.
"And, you know, obviously a great skater, you know, underrated. I think defensively, he has a good stick, and those types of things are going to be huge for him to take the next step to go to the NHL," he said. "So definitely a guy that I think is steadily, steadily progressing to the point where he's going to be knocking on the door."
Wallinder was named junior hockey player of the year in the SHL with Rogle in 2021-22, was moved up the depth charts, and was given a look in the NHL after Simon Edvinsson was out on injury.
He'd later sign his entry-level contract in 2023 and has worked arduously to earn a spot in the best league in the world.
It may pay off soon enough.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 30 | 309 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings prospect developing into a star: "He's knocking on the door" Do you think defense prospect William Wallinder is ready to join the Detroit Red Wings? | ||
| Yes | 199 | 64.4 % |
| No | 110 | 35.6 % |
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