With recent injuries to Casey Cizikas and Jordan Eberle, and Joshua Ho-Sang requesting a trade, forward Oliver Wahlstrom got to play his first NHL game this last Monday against the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the St. Louis Blues. Although the Boston College alumni didn’t get on the scoreboard in his first three outings, he has been impressive and has earned some power play time as well. In this article, we will take a look at our first impressions from the 19-year old, who is just beginning his NHL career.

1. He fits right in.
Oliver Wahlstrom does not look out of place one bit on an NHL roster. Many rookies struggle in their first few games, even their first full NHL season. For example, first overall pick Jack Hughes took seven games to record an assist and has a -4 rating for the New Jersey Devils. The reality of the situation is that rookies struggling is common, especially rookies as young as Wahlstrom.
However, Wahlstrom played like a ten-year veteran. He wasn’t scared to skate the puck, he generated all kinds of offensive opportunities, and he SHOT THE PUCK any chance he could get. Many fans are frustrated about the Islanders tendency to wait for a perfect play and over-pass, but Wahlstrom shot every single opportunity he could and from anywhere. As a result, many offensive opportunities for him and his linemates were generated and it is just a matter of time before one pops in.
Also, the Islanders are 3-0 with Wahlstrom in the lineup thus far, outscoring St. Louis, Winnipeg, and Columbus a combined 9-5.

2. He plays the body.
The New York Islanders are a very physical hockey team. That is how they win many of their games, simply by being tougher and grittier than their opponents. The Islanders have many big, physical defenseman and many of bottom six forwards who base their game off of physicality, such as Ross Johnston, Matt Martin, and Cal Clutterbuck.
On every shift through his first two games, Wahlstrom was involved in every battle for the puck when he was on the ice. Wahlstrom is a big guy, at 6’2″ and 211 pounds, and has taken advantage of his size. He has banged his body around and has won many pucks out of the corner. This physical confidence isn’t always seen in young guys like Wahlstrom, so it is amazing to see Wahlstrom’s dedication to the physical side of the game, which is how the Islanders play and win.

3. He deserves to be on this team.
He has impressed in his first two games, and has looked like he has been on this team for years. When Cizikas and Eberle return, we believe Wahlstrom shouldn’t go anywhere. By his physical style of play, generation of offensive opportunities, and energy that he brings, there is no reason he should be demoted. He has been a standout player and one of the best players on the ice.
When Eberle and Cizikas return, there are many possible line combinations as lots of guys are trying to get roster spots. Here is one good possibility of forward lines with Wahlstrom still in the lineup:
Lee- Barzal -Eberle
Beauvillier- Nelson- Wahlstrom
Bailey- Brassard- Komarov
Clutterbuck- Cizikas- Johnston
Tom Kuhnhackl, Michael Dal Colle, and Matt Martin can potentially rotate through the bottom six as well. The Islanders have a surplus of solid bottom six forwards, and as a result, have many options.
Regardless, it is clear that Wahlstrom should not be rotated out. He has earned his spot on this roster, and unless his play declines drastically, which is very unlikely, he should be a nightly player due to his contributions to the team.

John Smark