The New York Islanders selected defenseman Bode Wilde with the 41st overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday.
Bode Wilde
Position: Defense
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 195 lbs
Age: 18
Club: USA U-18 (NTDP)
Nationality: American
| GP | G | A | P | 5v5 GPG | 5v5 PPG | 5v5 GF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 0.08 | 0.48 | 70.2 |
(Even-strength stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)
Combining tremendous puck skills and booming size, Wilde is among the most tantalizing defenders in this year's draft class. While scouts question if he has the hockey IQ to translate his game to the pro ranks, there's no denying the intriguing offensive assets Wilde brings to the table.
With the U.S. national development program's Under-18 team, Wilde finished tied for the lead in scoring from the back end alongside fellow 2018 draft eligible defenseman K'Andre Miller. Wilde then joined the Americans at the Under-18 World Championship, but he was held off the scoresheet in seven games.
A Montreal native who holds dual citizenship with the United States, Wilde originally committed to the University of Michigan for the 2018-19 campaign, but has since left the door open for an immediate jump to the NHL or a cross over to junior. The OHL's Saginaw Spirit hold his junior rights.
"Terrific skater who owns a big shot and offers strong play in the offensive end. Can step up and make a big hit, but is also guilty of poor decision-making. A high-ceiling player with some risk," Cam Robinson of DobberProspects.com said.
