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Charlotte Checkers’ Lucas Wallmark is Racking Up Lots of Goals in the AHL

By Charles Taylor

Oct 7, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Washington Capitals forward Brad Malone (25) knocks Carolina Hurricanes forward Lucas Wallmark (71) off the puck during the first periodduring a preseason hockey game at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Washington Capitals forward Brad Malone (25) knocks Carolina Hurricanes forward Lucas Wallmark (71) off the puck during the first periodduring a preseason hockey game at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Charlotte Checkers forward and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Lucas Wallmark is having a fantastic first season in North America.

Much like their parent team, it has been a tough year for the Charlotte Checkers. With injuries and inconsistency riddling the lineup, it has been hard for the team to establish any rhythm this season. Very few players have been able to deal with that adversity. One of them is rookie Lucas Wallmark.

Drafted in the 4th round of 2014, Swedish center Lucas Wallmark is playing in his first season ever in North America. You wouldn’t guess that from watching him though. In his first 59 games, the 21 year old has racked up 21 goals and 39 points. Those numbers make him the 3rd best goal scoring rookie in the AHL this year.

It was a bit of a bumpy start to the season for Wallmark. However, he was eventually able to adjust to the play in the Western hemisphere and has impressed ever since. In fact, he was the AHL’s Rookie of the Month in January. Unlike much of this team around him, Wallmark has put together a complete season.

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With the season winding down, there is definitely a chance for Wallmark to achieve even more this season. He is sitting within striking distance of a Checkers record. Former Canes prospect Zac Dalpe scored 23 goals in his rookie AHL season. Wallmark is poised to eclipse that mark and set records of his own.

Interestingly, this level of goal scoring is new to Wallmark’s game. In his previous seasons in Sweden, Wallmark was a supplier rather than a finisher. Of his 32 points in 2015-16, only 8 of them were goals. The jump to North America has helped evolve his game, making his a more well-rounded offensive player.

When looking at Wallmark’s body of work, it is hard to not to see some of Victor Rask in his game. Both Swedes put up solid numbers in their rookie AHL seasons, both have great offensive instincts, and neither are superb skaters. That is something Rask has worked on and Wallmark will have to at some point as well.

The Canes could sure use depth at center going into next season and seasons to come. As of right now it looks like Wallmark can provide that. Also, with his ability to find the back of the net, he could inject some goal scoring into a toothless bottom six. Think along the lines of Rask in his rookie year.

Next: Elias Lindholm Has Found His Game For Carolina

The recent call up by the Carolina Hurricanes of Charlotte Checkers winger Valentin Zykov has sent the message that the franchise intends to see what its prospects can do in the NHL. More likely than not, Wallmark is close to, if not, top of that shortlist. It is almost a guarantee that he gets a look before the season ends.

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