A Make-or-Break Season for Wallinder
At 24, William Wallinder carries the weight of a 2020 draft selection, the 32nd overall pick, into his second professional contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Though he has yet to step onto NHL ice, his 194 AHL appearances for the Grand Rapids Griffins have already cemented his reputation as a reliable defensive presence.
Wallinder’s defensive metrics are solid: an 86.7% penalty‑kill efficiency and a skating style that allows him to close gaps quickly. He is expected to slot in as a third‑pairing defenseman, a role that emphasizes positional play over offensive production, and the organization has signaled confidence by awarding him a two‑year, one‑way deal worth $750,000 in the second year.
Coach Dan Watson of Grand Rapids sees untapped upside, noting that Wallinder can contribute more offensively when his execution improves and his skating translates into better breakout opportunities. Yet the coaching staff also stresses that defensive refinement is essential if he hopes to earn consistent minutes ahead of other two‑way blueliners.
The 24‑year‑old’s limited NHL exposure makes him a candidate for waiver claims should he fail to secure a spot in the opening roster, a scenario that could reshape his trajectory just as the team evaluates its defensive depth for the upcoming season.