Rochester Spotlight: Anton Wahlberg's Rise in the AHL
Rochester fans have been treated to an intriguing development as Anton Wahlberg, a promising Buffalo Sabres prospect, steps into the spotlight. With Konsta Helenius’ recent NHL call-up leaving the Americans short at center, coach Mike Leone made a bold move by promoting Wahlberg to pivot the top line. For a player just 100 games into his AHL career, this was no small task.
“It’s extremely difficult to do what he’s doing right now as a young player,” Leone remarked about the 20-year-old Swede. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Wahlberg has embraced the challenge, earning his first recall to the Sabres this week.
“The more I play, the better I play,” Wahlberg shared, exuding confidence after a pregame skate at Blue Cross Arena. His transition to center seems to be paying off, with Amerks assistant coach Vinny Prospal noting, “Wally has something to be probably, in my own opinion, a better center than a winger... He’s getting more opportunity.”
While Wahlberg’s NHL future remains uncertain, his call-up might be a strategic move by the Sabres, especially if center Tage Thompson, fresh off an Olympic gold with Team USA, needs rest.
Despite not boasting eye-popping offensive stats, Wahlberg’s contributions go beyond the score sheet. In 47 games this season, he has tallied six goals and 25 points, with a plus-12 rating leading the Amerks.
His defensive prowess and ability to disrupt plays have been standout qualities. “His ability to impact a game without getting points is extremely high with his length,” Leone highlighted.
Wahlberg’s offensive game has shown growth, matching last year’s assist total in fewer games. Prospal acknowledged, “He’s starting to produce a little bit more... he’s driving the net, holding onto the pucks in the offensive zone.”
While his shooting percentage has dipped from 13.8 to 8.2, Wahlberg remains optimistic. “I think I get a lot of chances every game, and I think I got to score more goals. But, yeah, I feel this year I’ve been skating a lot more, playing more physical.”
His physicality is becoming a key asset, with recent games showcasing his ability to separate opponents from the puck. Prospal praised, “He can protect the puck with his frame, and this is only going to get better once he gets stronger and more stable.”
Leone sees potential for Wahlberg to develop into a "heavy" player. “He’s shown signs of heaviness in the game that he can play,” Leone said. With increased strength, Wahlberg could become a formidable force on the ice.
As Wahlberg continues to evolve, both fans and coaches are eager to see how his journey unfolds. His blend of size, skill, and determination could make him a significant player for the Sabres in the near future.