[citation needed] Seeking competition and looking to improve his draft stock, Wolanin elected to play for the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League.

Despite not being an offensive player, his defensive prowess made him a sought after prospect leading into the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.

Upon making his NHL debut at 18 years and 2 months in the 1985-86 season, Wolanin became the youngest player in the history of the Scouts/Rockies/Devils franchise.

[2] Wolanin established himself as a mainstay on the Devils blueline in his second season, recording four goals, six assists and 109 penalty minutes.

[3][4] While Wolanin embraced a full-time role on the Nordiques blueline, the team was a perennial doormat in the standings.

The Avalanche went on to win the Stanley Cup that season, but Wolanin played just seven games during the team's championship run.

Following that game, Wolanin's gaffe led to an argument between Patrick Roy and head coach Marc Crawford, who opted to sit him for the rest of the playoffs.