After a brief stint in Sweden during the NHL’s hiatus until next season, Oliver Wahlstrom has come back to the United States ready for the Islanders’ upcoming season. Over ten games Wahlstrom recorded four goals and four assists while playing for AIK in HockeyAllsvenskan. He suffered an undisclosed injury while playing in Sweden but is good to go for the Islanders’ upcoming training camp.

Last Season

Oliver Wahlstrom played nine games for the Islanders last season, the maximum amount of games for a rookie to play before burning a year off of their entry-level contract. He made his NHL debut on October 14th, 2019 in a 3-2 Islanders OT victory over the St. Louis Blues. Wahlstrom tallied zero points over this nine-game stretch.

Most of Oliver Wahlstrom’s 2019-20 campaign was spent in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Over the course of 45 games with Bridgeport, he accumulated 22 total points, ten goals, and 12 assists. His biggest weakness was the way he played in his own end. Sound Tigers head coach had Brent Thompson spoke about Wahlstrom’s play.  “I really thought that was his biggest improvement with us. He didn’t put up outstanding numbers. He had to learn through the course of the season to make the right play on the wall. If it’s a one-on-three, not to try and beat three guys but chip into an area.” Wahlstrom’s defensive game definitely did improve during his time in the minors.

He also competed for the United States in the 2020 World Junior Championships. Over the course of the tournament, he scored one goal and had four assists in five games. The U.S. was unable to medal at the tournament.

Where Wahlstrom Could Fit on the Islanders

The Islanders roster is very interesting. They were held back from signing free-agents, but more importantly, their own restricted free agents. This could benefit Wahlstrom as the Isles need a cheap contract. The place in the line-up that is open for competition would be the wings on the third line. The first line has consistently been Anders Lee, Mathew Barzal, and Jordan Eberle and the second line has been Anthony Beauvillier, Brock Nelson, and Josh Bailey. This leaves third-line center JG Pageau’s wings open. There were many players who rotated through including now-unrestricted free agent Tom Kuhnhackl, Leo Komarov, and Michael Dal Colle. The fourth line is also set in stone once Matt Martin’s contract is announced.

What this means is that there is an open competition to find consistent players for the third line. Barry Trotz has often ridden with the hot players as the season progressed but is looking for some stability. Oliver Wahlstrom will be competing with Komarov, Dal Colle, Ross Johnston, Andrew Ladd, Kieffer Bellows, Otto Koivula, and others for these winger spots. Wahlstrom could be a great depth goal scorer in his rookie season playing with the speedy JG Pageau feeding him the puck.

Should Wahlstrom Be on the Opening Night Roster?

Oliver Wahlstrom is a strong power forward with a booming shot who is only getting better. His defensive play improved, and he continued to learn to play a smarter game. He is only 20 years of age and is still currently getting bigger and stronger. With that being said, yes, Oliver Wahlstrom should be on the Islanders roster. The Isles could use some youth and new potential offensive firepower on a cheap, rookie contract. The Islanders 2018 first-round pick will have to work hard, but has a real chance to make the final roster.

John Smark