Recovered Charlie Stramel Aims to Earn His Spot with Minnesota Wild at Training Camp

Charlie Stramel, born in St. Paul, aims to secure a roster spot with the Minnesota Wild during training camp. Drafted by the Wild in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft (21st overall), he spent two seasons at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to Michigan State, where as a senior he scored 19 goals, 25 assists and 44 points, earning a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team.

According to nhl.com, his college career was interrupted on March 28 when he broke his leg blocking a shot in the NCAA regional final against his former team; Wisconsin won that game 4-3 in overtime. Stramel signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Wild on April 6 and says he has been back on the ice without restrictions for two months, fully healthy for the start of camp.

Brad Bombardir, Minnesota’s senior director of player development, believes Stramel is close to the level needed to prove himself in the NHL. Bombardir notes the change in his game and attitude after his time at Michigan State, citing improved speed, drives to the net and confidence that make him more competitive.

After the recovery period, Stramel spent the summer mostly in Minnesota and in August trained three weeks at Michigan State to focus on quick starts, net-front moves and defensive zone coverage — elements that fit the role of a power forward. He says he is also working on strengthening his mental focus to make an impact in every game.

Camp practices began Thursday and Minnesota opens the season on October 1 against the Nashville Predators. Stramel has expressed his willingness to do everything to help the team and earn the opportunity he seeks; as nhl.com reports, he remains optimistic he can achieve his goal.