Stramel signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild in April 2026. His deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $1.07M and runs through the 2028-29 season. Stramel recorded 44 points in 37 games for Michigan State (NCAA), placing second on the team behind Porter Martone (50 points). The Minnesota Wild need depth down the middle of the lineup, so there could be an opportunity for the 22-year-old this summer which makes Stramel a name to keep an eye heading into training camp.

Stramel transferred from Wisconsin to Michigan State for the start of the 2024-25 NCAA season, and it paid off. He went from 20 points in 67 games for Wisconsin over his first two NCAA seasons to 27 points in just 37 games in one season with Michigan State. The Minnesota Wild are likely relieved to see the progression, as they invested a reasonably high draft pick in Stramel. He has the size and hands to be an impactful middle-six winger at the NHL level if he continues his offensive progression at higher levels. If he has another solid offensive season for Michigan in 2025-26, he might find himself with an NHL contract in April 2026.

Stramel has been selected 21st overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Stramel’s year did not go the way he planned, as Wisconsin did not enjoy a successful season and he personally had a down year in terms of offensive production with 12 points in 33 games. His ability is not much in question, as he shows great hands and handling on the puck. He is physically gifted with size and he blends that well with his skill on the puck, which makes him a very attractive prospect, especially given that he plays center. He works hard and does a very good job breaking up plays, and even stopping them before they truly get going. His shot is very good, with great power and accuracy on it, and he uses his hands well to quickly move the puck into shooting position for him to get his chance. He isn’t going to blow you away with his skating ability, but it is good and it allows him to drive at the defense and give him space to create opportunities on the attack. He has plenty of tools to his game and while this season was not what he envisioned, he still has a lot to offer NHL teams.

Charlie Stramel is one of the older first-year draft-eligibles in the 2023 class and spent most of last season with the USNTDP’s U18 team, tallying 10 goals and 12 assists in 26 games. He also competed in the U18 World Championships where he picked up a pair of goals to go along with three assists in five games as Team USA came away with a silver medal. He was included on the American roster for the rebooted World Juniors as well, picking up an assist in his lone appearance for the tournament.

Stramel is a very physically-gifted prospect with the ability to play both a power and skill game. He’ll be entering his freshman year at Wisconsin during his draft year, and like other fellow American eligibles, it could take some adjusting. However, if you didn’t know his age, he wouldn’t stand out as a draft-eligible player in a college lineup. His strength and size are noteworthy upon watching the 6-3, 215 pound centerman during his first few shifts. He makes life difficult for defenders breaking out of their zone or players with their heads down. But Stramel is a versatile player, as he’s able to play a pretty skilled game as well. He’s got work to do with his agility, defensive awareness, and playmaking, but he’s got a rocket of a shot, soft hands, and is a powerful, fast skater when he gets up to speed. It’s these abilities that will help him succeed at some point at the collegiate level, but Stramel’s ceiling is high, and playing against much older competition must be taken into consideration.