The Minnesota Wild have drafted center Charlie Stramel from the University of Wisconsin No. 21 overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
At 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds, Stramel is among the more coveted power forwards of this year’s draft thanks to his size and speed.
In 33 games for the Badgers, Stramel scored five goals and 12 points. Despite his modest numbers, he is an intriguing prospect thanks to physical tools that are rare in a draft class full of undersized skill players.
Stramel has yet to score at a high clip in the amateur ranks, but uses his body well on both ends of the ice. He drives the net front on offense and is not afraid to throw big hits in his own zone.
His aggressive, physical style will remind teams of Sam Bennett’s destructive playoff fore-checking. Bennett’s controlled chaos will be a hot commodity in the ultimate copycat league after the Florida Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. Stramel is a similar bowling ball on offense.
Stramel also has a deceptively good stick and quick release for a player his size. Those tools, and a high faceoff percentage, mean he is more than just a big lug.
Stramel combines his workable skills with long strides that can fly through the neutral zone, though his lack of agility means he is not quick per see.
“The offense didn’t follow, but he’s a pain in the rear end to play against,” Daily Faceoff’s prospect expert Steven Ellis writes. “I want to see him take that next step into becoming a true power forward next year with Wisconsin.”
The Wild will know that Stramel is still a work in progress, but there is enough skill apparent in his game to encourage belief in his elite physicality.
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