BUFFALO – Vinny Prospal listened to the question about Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg’s brief stint with the Rochester Americans, leaned forward to the microphone and offered a one-word answer.
“Size,” a smiling Prospal said of what stood out about the youngster.
When Wahlberg, 19, arrived in Rochester late last season, his 6-foot-3, 198-pound frame quickly grabbed the assistant coach’s attention.
Among Amerks forwards last year, only 6-foot-5 Brett Murray was taller. Among drafted Sabres forwards in rookie camp this week, only 6-foot-4 Ethan Miedema is taller.
“Wahly came in with that size, at that age, it’s something that you can’t teach,” Prospal said following Thursday’s session of rookie camp in LECOM Harborcenter. “You either have it or (you don’t) have it. So that’s the first thing that stood out.”
That size, of course, is a precious asset. If Wahlberg, a second-round pick in 2023, 39th overall, learns to consistently utilize his frame to play a heavy game, he should reach the NHL someday.
In fact, his style might be better suited for the smaller North American ice surface. Prior to coming to the AHL in March, he had spent his entire career in his native Sweden playing on a sheet 13.4 feet wider.
“I fit for both ice (surfaces),” said Wahlberg, who’s expected to play in tonight’s Prospects Challenge opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets. “I feel comfortable playing on a small rink, too. … My size, I think it’s really good for this rink.”
Prospal believes Wahlberg can thrive with less time and space.
“He’s not your fastest skater out there, right?” he said. “But, again, he’s got the size, he’s got the long stick, he can puck protect in the corner, come out of the corner, beat somebody, beat … defensemen. …
“He learns that, he could be the guy to be maybe a steal.”
By the postseason in Rochester, Wahlberg began showcasing his skill. Barely one minute into Game 1 of the Calder Cup Playoffs against the Syracuse Crunch, he scored by driving to the net, toe-dragging and deking.
In Game 3, however, he committed a costly turnover in overtime, losing the puck when he tried to carry it into the Syracuse zone. The Crunch went down the ice and scored.
Prospal said if Wahlberg “can synchronize” his skill “with the other things that I was talking about, it’s only going to make him better.”
“That goal that he scored in the playoff series against Syracuse, that was really nice,” he said. “Hopefully he’s not going to try to do it all the time because it doesn’t work all the time. I also remember Game (3) where we ended up not winning, and he was part of the play as well, and that was the other side that I’m talking about.”
Wahlberg’s offensive totals don’t wow you. He compiled two goals and five points in 14 total games for the Amerks last season. Over parts of two years as a pro in the Swedish Hockey League, he registered seven goals and 14 points in 60 contests for the Malmo Redhawks.
“I’m a big guy, strong on the puck,” he said. “At the same time, I feel like I got good skills, I can handle the puck really well, can see guys good, a good playmaker, too. Even if I don’t show it as much as I do my physicality, I know I got it in me. So sometimes it happens.”
Wahlberg, a natural center, will almost certainly begin the season in Rochester. He spent his brief time there playing wing. He practiced Thursday alongside center Konsta Helenius and Noah Ostlund, a fellow Swede he said he will likely room with this year.
The Sabres’ regulars are heading to Europe for their season-opening trip early in training camp, so Wahlberg should receive a long look and play at least a few NHL preseason games as a member of the junior varsity squad.
“Of course, you want to make the team, show how good you are,” he said. “I think there’s a good opportunity right here, right now.”