2025-26 Player in Review: William Wallinder
Defenseman William Wallinder skated in his third full season with the Griffins and totaled 20 points (2-18—20), 23 penalty minutes and a plus-21 rating in 66 regular-season games. He then added one goal and two penalty minutes in eight playoff appearances. The 23-year-old notched regular-season AHL career-high numbers in games played (66), assists (18), points (20), penalty minutes (23) and plus-minus rating (+21). Wallinder ranked among the team’s regular-season defensemen leaders in points (T4th), assists (T3rd) and plus-minus rating (T4th). His plus-21 rating also tied for 14th among all AHL defensemen during the regular season.
Regular Season Stat Line
66 GP, 2 goals, 18 assists, 20 points, +21 rating, 23 PIM
Postseason Stat Line
8 GP, 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point, -3 rating, 2 PIM
Contract Status
Under contract by Detroit through the 2027-28 season
By the Numbers
21 – Career-high plus-21 rating tied for fourth among the team’s defensemen and tied for 14th among all AHL blueliners
1 – Notched AHL career highs in games played (66), assists (18), points (20), penalty minutes (23) and plus-minus rating (+21)
2 – Two goals during regular season came on Dec. 31 against the Milwaukee Admirals and April 17 at Milwaukee
4 – Collected two assists four times throughout the regular season on Oct. 18 against the Manitoba Moose, Dec. 19 at the Iowa Wild, Dec. 21 against the Cleveland Monsters, and March 4 against the Rockford IceHogs
2 – Season-high two-game point streak from Dec. 19-21 (0-4—4), Feb. 28-March 4 (0-3—3) and April 17-19 (1-1—2)
5 – AHL career-high five penalty minutes on Jan. 7 against the Texas Stars
100 – Secured 100th professional point with an assist on Nov. 25 at Texas
5 – Sidelined for five consecutive outings from March 21-28 due to rehabbing an injury
150 – Skated in 150th game as a Griffin on Dec. 13 against Rockford
Newsworthy
Red Wings Sign Defense Prospect to Contract | Detroit Hockey Now
Red Wings’ sign former second-rounder who’ll compete for a spot - mlive.com
Red Wings sign William Wallinder to two-year, two-way contract extension | Detroit Red Wings
How the Red Wings’ drafting after Round 1 stacks up to other NHL teams - The Athletic
Griffins see bright future with veteran core, Red Wings prospects - mlive.com
Which Red Wings prospects are NHL-ready in Grand Rapids? Projected roles for 2026-27 - The Athletic
Updated Look At Detroit Red Wings Prospect Pipeline
The Daily: What Prospects Are Stepping Up For Griffins; Guimond Heads to Game 7 | Detroit Hockey Now
Griffins Tie Series With 2-0 Win | Detroit Hockey Now
Postava, Griffins blank Moose in Game 2 | TheAHL.com | The American Hockey League
Daily: Red Wings Fare Well in Prospect Rating; Flyers Control Their Fate | Detroit Hockey Now
All photos by Grand Rapids Griffins