Flames trade Wahl for Mike Testwuide

Minor trade in Flamesland today. The Flames have dealt former 2nd rounder Mitch Wahl to Philly for 26-year old winger Mike Testwuide (don’t ask me how to pronounce that). Wahl was picked 48th overall by the Flames in 2008, the only second rounder of Darryl Sutter’s tenure as Flames GM.

For a long time Wahl looked to be one of the org’s best prospects. He was amongst the Spokane Chiefs primary point-getters during his entire junior career, culminating in a 30-goal, 96-point season in 2009-10. Wahl also stood out as a 20-year old in the Flames training camp in 2010, but was eventually sent down to the Abbotsford Heat. His pro rookie season was cut short by a vicious open ice hit by Aaron Volpatti, concussing Wahl for the rest of the season and perhaps setting back his development several years. 

Wahl never really recovered in the eye of the Flames. He struggled to remain in the Heat line-up once he finally returned from injury and was instead sent down to the ECHL in 2011-12. That’s where he has spent most of this season, leading the Utah Grizzlies in scoring with 19 goals and 59 points in 45 games.

Mike Testwuide is an undrafted winger who went the college route prior to going pro with the Adirondack Phantoms. He’s big at 6’3" and 210 pounds, but has never played an NHL game despite being in his mid-20s, has never scored at noteworthy rate in the AHL (his career high is 18 goals and 39 points).

Testwuide’s deal is a two-way, minimum wage contract that expires in the summer. He’s not really likely to ever break the parent club’s line-up and is likely more about bringing some size, strength and veteran presence to a Heat that has lost a lot of games lately.

It’s an ignominious end to Wahl’s time in Calgary. He may never justify his draft position or the high hopes some had after a very strong junior career, but good luck to him nevertheless.