Player Information:
Name: William Wallinder
Position: Defensemen
League: Super Elite
Team: MODO Hockey
Shoots: Left
Age/DOB: 17-years-old, July 28th, 2002
Birthplace: Solleftea, Sweden, Europe
Height: 6’4
Weight: 192lbs
Potential Draft Round: Late First Round
NHL Potential: Top Four Pairing Defensemen
NHL Comparable: Zdeno Chara
Statistics:
Player Notes:
Wallinder spent a majority of last season in the Swedish Elite League where he put up five goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 37 games. He earned himself a promotion to the U-20 league after he had a game in which he racked up five assists. The 17-year-old defensemen would once again be promoted to Allsvenskan where he would put up two assists in 18 games. I expect him to start next season in Allsvenskan.
There’s a lot to like about Wallinder as he’s a big defensemen who’s gonna play a very solid overall game. He’s shown that he’s got no problem throwing his body around and mixing it up after the whistle as well. At such a young age, he’s got plenty of time to work on his flaws which are few and far between.
However, many scouts are unsure where to place Wallinder in the upcoming draft. I expect him to go in the second half of the first round to a team that’s looking to draft a defender of his caliber instead of looking for the best player available.