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On the one hand, the Detroit Red Wings moved quickly to get defense prospect William Wallinder to agree to terms on a new contract.
At the same time, didn’t they leave the door slightly ajar to make it easier for a rival NHL team to claim Wallinder on waivers?
Swedish defenseman Wallinder signed a two-year pact with the Red Wings. Interestingly, it’s a two-way deal. Wallinder’s AAV will be $875,000 is he plays in Detroit next season. However, he’ll be earning just $110,000 if he’s playing in the AHL.
Wallinder would need to clear waivers next season if the Wings decide to assign him to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. However, in another interesting twist, the second year of the pact calls for him to earn $750,000 as an AHLer.
Certainly, it’s that second-year AHL salary that the Wings will be hoping deters other NHL franchises from putting in a waiver claim on Wallinder, should Detroit opt to assign him to the minor leagues.
Red Wings View Wallinder as NHL Material
From speaking with hockey operations people in the Red Wings organization, it’s evident that they view Wallinder as having what it takes to be an NHL regular. However, where they see him slotting into the lineup is as a third-pairing defender.
They anticipate him pushing for a roster spot at training camp this fall.
“We’d like to think he had a pretty darn good season,” Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said. “And again, we’re expecting good, solid play from him.
“He’ll push for a spot on the roster.”
Detroit’s 32nd overall selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Wallinder has spent his entire North American pro career with the AHL Griffins. He’s played 194 games for Grand Rapids over four seasons.
As an AHL player, he’s never scored more than three goals in a season. Wallinder’s best AHL season for points was the 20 he collected this season.
The post Red Wings Sign Defense Prospect to Contract appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
