2018-19: Wallmark’s Rookie season
As a rookie in 2018-19, Wallmark was a real bright spot. His numbers as a rookie don’t necessarily jump off the page – 10 goals, 18 assists in 81 games – which is solid production for a rookie, but the circumstances are what make it even more impressive. He played up and down the lineup, finding his footing as a center and filling that dynamic hybrid role that the Hurricanes had been in search of.
When you dive into the advanced stats, the numbers support the eye-test. His Corsi For percentage was 54.1%, though most Hurricanes were positive in that regard. He was a victim of poor luck – his PDO was amongst the worst of all Canes forwards at 97.7, and his shooting percentage was just 7.6%, which shows real room for improvement if some bounces went his way more often.
He was also an all-situations player, which is impressive for any rookie in this league. He averaged 1:14 per game on the powerplay, and scored 7 powerplay points while usually mounted on the half-wall on the 2nd unit. He’s shown great vision, patience and creativity as a passer. He’s also got a rifle for a shot, which fans often voice that they would love to see him use more often.
Shorthanded, he was also decently effective. He was a regular amongst the Hurricanes revolving door of penalty killers, and posted a better GA/60 shorthanded than Jordan Martinook and equal to that of Jordan Staal.
He was also pretty spectacular for a rookie at even-strength – he had 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists) at 5 on 5 while obviously (54.1 Corsi) controlling possession while on the ice. He capped his rock-solid debut campaign in style during the playoffs, when he scored his first career NHL playoff goal against Washington.
Wallmark goal stands. 2-1 game. #CapsCanes pic.twitter.com/GemiXV34eO
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) April 13, 2019
In his exit interview after the season, Wallmark was asked if he’d felt he’d found his place in the NHL.
"“Uh, yeah … I’m just trying to play my game and work hard for it .. It was a really fun year, and hopefully I can get better (next year) and do a bit more.”"
He also acknowledged that filling in for an injured Jordan Staal in the Canes top-6 gave him confidence.
"“Jordo is a key player for us, and with him (out), I had to take a bigger role and I felt OK with that .. I felt like I got more confidence from that.” he said."
Undoubtedly, it was as good of a rookie season as anyone could have hoped for.