PWJunior
Stay safe!
PW thanks for the clarification.
I think having Wahlstrom in the AHL is the best route of development for him. He already has NHL size. The AHL plays 76 games. That will be better than the NCAA. Plus Ive never been a fan of BC coach Jerry York's coaching philosophy. Which is basically let the upperclassmen get more ice time. Wahlstrom would probably get shafted on the 3rd line. Places like Denver and North Dakota have been better at preparing prospects for the NHL.
Here's what AmericanDream had to say about Wahlstrom:
I have zero doubts he can make the NHL next year, especially if he was picked by the Hawks. The Isles are a bit different, they still have Bellows who you mentioned that is so freaking underrated on here to fit in their lineup. Plus Ho Sang as well, so doubtful they want to go with that much youth in one year.
Wahlstrom and his family have been big proponents to NCAA hockey, so for him I see him going 1 year and done just to see college life, it seems it has been a big priority for his family for him to go at least one year - doesn't mean if Big Lou says we want you to sign and play in the pros that he will say no. Bellows and his family came from the junior life/CHL, college was a path his buddies grew up more with than he did, so him jumping was the right call and likely a decision that wasn't too hard for him since there isn't much NCAA history in his family.
It will be interesting to see what happens with a number of these kids next year, but I imagine definitely one of Tkachuk, Hughes, and Wall-E make it to the NHL right away..
If what you say about Jerry York is true, I don't want another Bellows situation happening with 'Wall-E'. I think JTs decision and the direction of the team if he does leave really affects Wahlstrom.
If he intends to turn pro, he's going to have to sign his ELC to even attend training camp. Should be an interesting situation to monitor. I was okay with him going one and done at BC while Eberle is still with us this upcoming season. Things could change.