Bode Wilde – Right Defenseman – 6’2 194lbs – 17 Years Old – U.S. National U18 Team in the USDP – 6gp 2g 6a 8p
Like some high profile players, Wilde was born in one country but plays for another. In this case Wilde was born in Canada, but plays for the United States. The reverse of guys like Couturier or Tyler Myers. He has pledged to go to the University of Michigan next year and has seemingly dashed the hopes of the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL who used a 2nd rounder on him in the Priority Draft.
Wilde is currently playing with the U18 squad of the United States National Development Team, but will be on the U20 squad when the USHL season begins. As you can see from his quick start, people will be expecting big things from this very raw defender. A lot of scouts project Wilde to be a player that takes several years to hit his stride. A very toolsy player, but far from a finished product. Very much like Ryan McDonaugh and unlike Jacob Trouba during their individual draft years. A guy who shows a grouping of elite skill sets, but needs time to put it together.
His stock really began to rise after the U17 Tournament last season where he was a force at both ends of the ice for the Americans. He led all defenseman in points with 6 in the 4 games. That topped Team America and was in the top-5 for the entire tournament (which included fellow top prospects like Svechnikov and Boqvist). That and an impressive season fairing very well for the U17 USDP squad. Playing as their top-pairing defender beside another strong prospect Mattias Samuelsson (for once, not one of Ulf’s kids). He led the team in goals and points by defensemen with 8 and 19. He also led the team in +/- with 48.
With his size, mobility and reach, he’s shown his abilities in both the offensive and defensive zone are impressive. He has an impressive shot selection and backs up forwards making him very dangerous in set plays. While he won’t go for the big hits, he’s shown he can play with enough grit to not simply be pushed aside. Something that being a player consistently playing against older competition might be an asset he can change at the next level once he has filled out. What will really make or break his season is how he fairs in the USHL this year. A strong season can see him be one of the more desirable defenders in the draft.
NHL Comparable : Colton Parayko