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Despite being born in Montreal, Bode Wilde plays for the US NTDP and is part of a strong American contingent for the 2018 NHL Draft. After scoring 19 points in 57 games last year, Wilde has picked up his offensive game this year. He scored 11 goals and 36 points in 53 games with the Under-18 program. Wilde was committed to Harvard, but has changed that and is now committed to the University of Michigan for the 2018-19 season. If he decides to go the CHL route, his rights are owned by the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL.
Wilde first came to prominence at the 2017 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, where he put up two goals and six points in five games and was the top scoring defenceman in the tournament. Wilde now joins the Team USA squad at the 2018 IIHF Under-18 World Championships. They will look to defend the gold medal won by last year’s American team.
Bode Wilde Scouting Report
Defence — shoots Right
Born January 24th, 2000 — Montreal, Quebec
Height 6’2″ — Weight 194 lbs [188 cm / 88 kg]
Skating
Wilde pairs excellent size with smooth-skating and two-way ability. He is strong on his skates defensively, with the physicality to clear the front of the net as well as win battles in the corners. His speed and footwork allow him to keep attackers in front of him, maintain good gap control and force them to the outside. He also has very good acceleration in both directions. This also allows him to join the rush. Wilde also shows good edgework and pivots. He transitions quickly from offence to defence and vice-versa. He also has the agility to walk the line, opening up shooting and passing lanes on the powerplay.
Offensive Game
Wilde has an absolute bomb of a point shot and understands how to keep it low and on the net to give teammates an opportunity for a deflection or rebound. Wilde can really fire the puck. He can also get it done in a variety of ways with an excellent wrist shot, and strong snapshot. His shots all feature a quick release as well. This makes him a real threat from the point. Wilde is able to get his shot off, and on net despite traffic.
He is also a very good passer, starting breakouts and making plays at the point as well. Wilde can start the transition game with his passing skill. He also has the skating and stickhandling skill to rush the puck up the ice. At the blue line, he shows poise with the puck and the patience to set up teammates. He also has the vision and passing ability to run the powerplay. He sometimes takes too many chances though and can be victimized by some bad giveaways.
Defensive Game
Wilde’s defensive game is a work in progress. At times he is a big, physical defender, who controls the game in his own end. However, he is wildly inconsistent. There are other games where he is a complete liability in his own end. He will need to work on gap control and positioning going forward. He also needs to avoid going for the big hit at times and continue to stay in defensive position instead.
Projection and Comparison
Wilde has the potential to become a number one defenseman in the NHL, but he is more likely to slot in as a number two or three. He plays a solid two-way game and can be an important part of a team’s defensive core, playing both power play and penalty kill minutes. He has to continue to refine his game and will need some time before he will be NHL ready. Wilde’s game is reminiscent of a smaller version of Dustin Byfuglien, but this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill level.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the many highlight packages of Wilde that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: Bode Wilde #15 of the USA National Team Development Program passes the puck against the Czech Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018, in Plymouth, Michigan. The Czech Republic defeated the USA NTDP 6-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek / Getty Images Sport)
