Red Wings Prospect William Wallinder finds his game in Sweden
Alarm bells rang in the Red Wings Nation when draft pick William Wallinder for the second round in 2020 did not join Sweden’s junior national team. But his game this season for Rogle BK Ängelholm in the Swedish League has removed all thoughts that he is not progressing.
Rogle is a strong team, currently second in the Swedish League, and yet 19-year-old William Wallinder has made himself current with four goals and 14 points in 36 games. He leads all junior players in points.
Red Wings player development manager Niklas Kronwall was in place on Tuesday when Wallinder posted two nice assists in a 5-3 win against Timra. When Rogle played in the Champions League semi-final several weeks ago, Wallinder played heavy minutes. It has been clear that the coaching staff trusts Wallinder more for each passing match.
William Wallinder joins a 2-on-1 and football style takes his 13th point of the season #LGRW pic.twitter.com/yC4nA36H2Z
– IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) February 8, 2022
Wallinder told Expressen that Kronwall, a former Red Wings defender, has been to his matches five or six times.
“He usually is here and checks sometimes, he checks details in the match and then we meet afterwards,” said Wallinder. “It’s nice to have him by my side, he helps me a lot. It feels powerful. ”
If you see Wallinder play lately, it’s hard to believe that he did not join Sweden’s junior national team. He’s probably still in Red Wing’s plans.
There is no timetable for Wallinder. Although he can skate and has skill, there is still a bit of rawness in his game. The Red Wings can leave him another season in Sweden or recruit him and give him a season in Grand Rapids to get more used to the North American game. It’s a decision that will be made after his Rogle season is over. His team should go far in the playoffs.
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