PWJunior
Stay safe!
We do need to see more out of Wilde.
The complicated ankle sprain and his very mediocre "24-game" season in the AHL have basically tempered everyone's expectations.
In his case, the proof will be in the pudding. Dmen need time and he'll get it (if he's not part of a trade), but at some point in the next two seasons, he needs to show that there's something there that is heading to the NHL, because his pro play to date has not indicated that.
2nd rounders:
Going to be VERY interesting to see how Iskhakov does in Mannheim this season. It's an absolutely loaded team and they are going for not only the DEL title, but the Champions Hockey League title as well. Will he thrive and basically do everything and more that Stützle did there the season before last? Or will he get lost in the numbers.
His season in Finland was an overall positive step in his development, as a hot start was tamed by a long drout, only to see him turn it up over the stretch run and in the playoffs.
Speaking of his time in Finland, do denote that he played for the same team as Liukas. So, looks like that pick was another little bit of that typical Islander "prospect-nepotism", much like what we've seen in the past with Waterloo and Sarnia.
Wilde badly needed reps and he didn't get them due to injury and to Covid the last 2 years. The tools are certainly there, he needs to finally get some stability and get those reps now. Cultivating him is worth the investment, RHD's carry insane value that only benefits us in the long run. I hope he has a complete and productive year this year in the AHL, he becomes an NHL factor in 2022-2023 when a decision is made on Mayfield next off-season.
Iskhakov still intrigues me, but not holding my breath. I really don't like smurfs and I never have.