Former NY Islanders draft pick Bode Wilde signs with the Cardiff Devils in Wales

Former NY Islanders draft pick Bode Wilde is on the move again, as it was announced he’s signed with the Cardiff Devils of the EIHL. 

Selected 41st overall in 2018 out of the USNTDP, Wilde hasn’t performed up to the standards of a player drafted in his position, bouncing around the minor leagues in North America and the professional ranks in Europe. 

Wilde was projected as a first-round pick, but due to some issues off the ice, fell to the Isles in the early second round.

Originally committed to Harvard University, Wilde later de-committed due to academic issues. He then committed to the University of Michigan but also de-committed for similar reasons. He eventually wound up with the Saginaw Spirit of OHL, registering 70 points (19 G, 51 A) in his only full season of junior hockey. 

Wilde made the jump to the AHL, playing 44 games across two seasons, scoring three times and adding five assists. He ran into trouble with the team at training camp in 2021 when he refused to be vaccinated and couldn’t participate in camp. 

Lou Lamoriello and Wilde’s camp decided it was best for Wilde to continue his career elsewhere, signing with Vasterviks of Sweden. After one year in Sweden, he returned to North America, signing with the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL. 

In August of this year, Wilde signed with Banska Bystrica in Slovakia, scoring twice and adding seven assists.

Now, the Montreal native will take his talents to Wales, for his fourth stop in three years. 

“He has a very high skill set that will suit the way we play,” said Devils head coach Pete Russell. “He plays fast and gets the puck quickly into the hands of the forwards or through to the net.”

At 6’3” and nearly 200 lbs, Wilde has the makeup of the ideal defenseman, playing both sides of the puck.

"He’s also a big body that can shut down plays and transition quickly from defense to offense,” Russell said. “I’m looking forward to being able to help him reach his huge potential.”