Despite a strong preseason drawing comparisons to Jack Eichel, Charlie Stramel heads to the AHL to ensure consistent playing time rather than starting the season as a scratch.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Top prospect Charlie Stramel's time on the Minnesota Wild's opening night roster was short lived. The NHL started games on Tuesday. The Wild, however, start on Thursday on the road.
Although, the young forward was on the roster on opening night and was announced by the team that he had made it, he will not be on the roster when the Wild open their season.
Stramel, 21, had a strong 2025-26 campaign in the NCAA as Michigan State University's alternate captain.
The Minnesota native recorded 19 goals and 44 points across 37 appearances for the Spartans. He ended up blocking a shot in a playoff game and breaking his angle.
After decent camp and preseason and being compared to one of the league's top centers, Jack Eichel, Stramel has been sent down to the American Hockey League (AHL) to begin the season.
Minnesota already has Nico Sturm as it's extra forward. Sending Stramel down will allow him to get in a game rather then sitting in the pressbox when the Wild play the Nashville Predators.
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