The New York Islanders have loaned prospect Bode Wilde to Vasterviks IK in Sweden for the upcoming season. Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello explained earlier this month that one unvaccinated player in the organization would be loaned overseas, and as Arthur Staple of The Athletic tweeted last week, Wilde appears to be that player.
Wilde, 21, is under contract through the 2022-23 season and appeared in 22 games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season. The 41st overall pick in 2018, his skating ability and size made him a scout’s dream but Wilde has yet to show he is ready for the NHL. In 42 games at the AHL level, he has eight points and still likely needs some development before taking the next step. How this loan affects his status in the Islanders organization is obviously not clear, though he now will not be able to work on a day-to-day basis with their development or coaching teams.
Of note, Vasterviks IK is not in the SHL, but the second tier in Sweden which is called HockeyAllsvenskan. That lower league should provide Wilde with an opportunity to excel if given the ice time and opportunity.
Good for Sweden for having sane health policies.