The Toledo Walleye have announced they have re-signed forward Darian Pilon. He made his pro debut last season with Toledo after he was claimed off waivers from divisional rival Fort Wayne Komets. Pilan played sparingly but provided energy and depth.
Pilan began his hockey career with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). From 2016-17 to 2018-19, he produced 40 goals and 48 assists for 88 points in 194 games. He also amassed 317 penalty minutes, bringing an edge to the roster.
After serving in Sudbury, he played four seasons with the University of Prince Edward Island from 2019/20 to 2022/23. He would record 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points in 66 games.
He would then make his pro debut with the Toledo Walleye in the 2023/24 season and played only 31 games and scored one goal and two assists for three points. While his time on the ice was limited, he made the most of his time by learning the pro game and developing at the team’s pace. A serviceable player who can play an aggressive game. He could also benefit from returning to Toledo, gaining experience with one season already under his belt.
Pilan returning also has a benefit to the style of the Walleye roster. The top three lines each have scoring depth and can score at will. While the offense is explosive, Toledo needs that depth, defensive players who play a scrappy game and can get in the corners, which is where PIlan comes in. He can provide that and pick up the occasional point. A good player returning to the 2024-25 Walleye lineup means the team is loaded at forward from top to bottom.
