Wallinder's long wait ends with a steady NHL debut for Red Wings
The 2020 second-round pick had his first NHL point in his first game after three full seasons in Grand Rapids, and he says the time there went into his defensive game.
William Wallinder played his first NHL game on Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Detroit's 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators, after three full seasons with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. In 9:07 of ice time, the defenceman had the primary assist on Justin Faulk's second-period goal for his first NHL point, finished plus-two, blocked a shot and had one giveaway.
"Wally is a little bit older now. He's played three years of pro. He's probably a little more comfortable in his skin," Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said, according to Detroit Hockey Now.
Wallinder, a Swede born July 28, 2002, was Detroit's second-round pick, 32nd overall, in 2020. He played two SHL seasons with Rögle BK, then 65, 62 and 66 regular-season games for Grand Rapids from 2023-24 through 2025-26. He said that time went into the defensive side of his game.
"I worked on my defensive side. Killing plays faster and being stronger in the corners. Winning more pucks," Wallinder said, according to Detroit Hockey Now.
He described himself as a puck mover first. "I bring a lot of poise with the puck. Good skater, just a good two-way defenseman. I like to start the rush, good first pass, and just be solid," he told Detroit Hockey Now.
He also said the wait did not wear on him. "I'm happy where I'm at, and I've been working hard for the last couple years, so I'm ready when I get the chance," Wallinder said, according to Detroit Hockey Now.
