With the NHL returning in 2021, the New York Islanders may have an influx of youth looking to become breakout stars for the team. While it will be competitive to get a roster spot on this year’s team, it is hard to ignore these players as they may put the entire league on notice with their skill and ability. 

Oliver Wahlstrom

2019-20 Stats: 45 Games, 10-12-22 (Bridgeport, AHL) plus nine NHL games

What seems like an easy choice to become the Islanders’ next offensive weapon could be challenged as early NHL outings have proved the opposite. While putting up 22 points in 45 games as a rookie in the AHL is respectable, a short, nine-game stint in the NHL showed Wahlstrom still has some work to do. 

During that stint, Wahlstrom was held off the scoresheet and was a -2. Fortunately, Wahlstrom recently turned 20 and is looking to prove doubters wrong by making the Islanders out of camp and flexing the goal scoring ability he has. If Wahlstrom merely lives up to expectations, one could expect a 20-goal season out of the rookie due to his sheer talent when it comes to shooting the puck. 

As for now, Wahlstrom is playing for AIK in the HockeyAllsvenskan and putting up nearly a point per game while players await the NHL’s return on January 13th.

Joshua Ho-Sang

2019-20 Stats: 16 Games, 3-7-10 (Bridgeport, AHL), six games, 1-2-3 (San Antonio, AHL)

Speaking of proving doubters wrong, Josh Ho-Sang is in a perfect position to come into camp and exceed all expectations. Splitting time between Bridgeport and a loan with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL last season, Ho-Sang put up decent numbers for a player still trying to find his way. 

While many have written off his chances with the Islanders, there is still some potential due to the raw skill he possesses. In an isolated role with power-play time, Ho-Sang could prove to be the Islanders’ “ace in the hole” that could provide an offensive punch at any time. The question would be whether the hard-nosed, strict culture of the Islanders would allow this type of utilization of Ho-Sang to be executed. 

Stating that Josh Ho-Sang could be a breakout star for the Islanders is quite bold, yet under the right circumstances he could live up to the high potential he once possessed when he was taken in the first round back in 2014. 

Noah Dobson

2019-20 Stats: 34 Games, 1-6-7 (NHL)

Dobson has the chance to add to what is an already fantastic blueline. A spot in the top four opened up because of the Devon Toews trade, and with it comes a huge opportunity for a young defender trying to make a name for himself. 

Being the 12th overall pick in 2018, there are high expectations for Dobson, especially being a right-handed defenseman. Right-handed defencemen are a luxury in this league, and the Islanders may potentially have one of the ones with the most upside. Along with playing in nearly half of the Islanders games last season, Dobson also made a small appearance in one playoff game. While his numbers are nothing to write home about, this experience primes him to take a huge jump this season. 

Breaking out for a defenseman in comparison with a forward’s breakout is extremely different. A breakout season for Dobson could be along the lines of 35 points and good defensive play. If he is able to provide that and replace Devon Toews, the Islanders may be able to replicate last season, but with a younger, cheaper option on the blueline. It just comes down to whether or not Dobson will seize the opportunity in front of him. 

John Smark