Committed the University of Michigan this fall, Bode Wilde has carved out a reputation as a hard-nosed competitor that is willing to do what it takes to meet the demands of playing big minutes in key situations.
Wilde embraces his core defensive duties with a rambunctious tenacity that often sees him function like a linebacker on skates. He'll meet the rush and lay the big hit, sacrifice his body by jamming shooting lanes, and protect the area in front of his net to allow his goaltender to track pucks.
That ambition will come with its share of miscues and penalties, often due to what is best considered average mobility and agility, but the sheer talent and desire is there for a coaching staff to refine his footwork and eliminate some of the unforced errors.
Wilde embraces the pace coming at him, but also helps dictate the offensive tempo with a similar attacking mentality. Despite not being the smoothest skater, he'll take risks carrying the puck, and he's often looking to pinch in from his blueline post even in lower percentage situations.
Ideally, a composed Wilde will rely more on his sharp passing skills and low, hard shot from the point than his willingness to force and press, but you cannot question his engagement and proactive nature as he looks to make a difference.
Wilde, a dual citizen who was born in Montreal, has found a great deal of success developing his game on American soil. In 61 games this season with the United States National Team Development Program, Wilde connected for 12 goals and 41 points in 61 games, including 16 points (3+13) in 25 contests against United States Hockey League competition.
Like so many of his defensive peers, Wilde has plenty to work on throughout the course of his collegiate time, but his total package of size and two-way tools will make him a desirable commodity beginning at the middle of the first round.
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For more on all the youngsters in the Sabres pipeline, check out Kris Baker's website, SabresProspects.com. You can also follow him on Twitter (@SabresProspects).
