Red Wings sign William Wallinder to two-year extension

Wallinder has come to the end of his three-year, entry-level contract, which carried an NHL cap hit of $925,000 and a minor-league salary of $80,000.

It has been an interesting first few years of North American pro hockey for Wallinder. While he came to the organization with high expectations after being taken in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft, he has gone through his fair share of ups and downs in his development with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the team’s top farm team. While he has managed to put up points at a respectable rate by AHL standards, his defensive play has required some adjustment.

The 23-year-old started to put things together this past year. In 66 regular-season appearances, Wallinder scored two goals and 18 assists for 20 points, a new career high. His play in his own zone improved, resulting in a plus/minus of +21, the best of his young career. Wallinder helped the Griffins finish with the best record in the Western Conference, but the team failed to translate that success to the postseason, losing to the Chicago Wolves in the Central Division Final in four games. Wallinder picked up a goal in eight games.

In 194 regular-season games in the AHL, the Sollefteå, Sweden native has registered seven goals and 47 assists for 54 points, with another four points in 20 Calder Cup Playoff contests. Wallinder has yet to appear in an NHL regular-season game.