Minnesota Wild Development Camp Summary

Charlie Stramel reflects on season, excited about new challenge

The Wild’s 2023 first-round pick has had a rocky road, but the organization is sticking with the Minnesota native in hopes he can rediscover his game.

After playing the past two seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers, Stramel transferred to Michigan State to play for Adam Nightingale, under whom he excelled in the National Development Program.

“Yeah, I had some injuries early on. I was a little bit of a starter. I didn’t play my best hockey personally and I didn’t get to a top position all year,” Stramel said of his struggles last year. “So it is what it is. It’s obviously not where you want to be. But I’m at (Michigan) State now. I’m excited. I’m going to play this season with a chip on my shoulder and I’m looking forward to it.”

The biggest thing Stramel hopes to improve on next season is getting back to his game. The game the Wild drafted thinking would translate to the NHL. He has a power-forward build at 6-foot-3, but Stramel has eschewed that the last two years, leading to a couple of struggling seasons.

“Yeah, I think I’ve got to get back to my identity, right? Just get back to being a power forward, 200-foot center, winning draws, good in net up front,” Stramel said. “Don’t deviate from that. I think I deviated from that at times at Wisconsin and it hurt me. I’ve got to stick to the player that I am and the player that I’m hopefully going to be at the next level. Just stick to the basics.”

But change will be good for Stramel. Playing for a coach he knows will do wonders for Stramel and hopefully get his game back on track.

“The change for him to go to Michigan State this year is going to be great,” Bombardir said. “He knows the coach. They have a great relationship. I’ve talked to Adam and he expects Charlie to improve as a player as well. He’s told me and Charlie this: It’s not just about changing jerseys. He’s not changing jerseys. You come here and we want you to take the next step in your development and be a good player for us. I’m happy for him.”