New York Islanders’ President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello wants to make “hockey trades” this offseason, meaning Oliver Wahlstrom could be on the move.

“We’re not going to get better by just adding players,” Lamoriello told the media on March 21. “We’re going to get better by making hockey trades. That’s the conversation we’ve been having the last few days.”

What does that mean? Well, a “hockey trade” is when two teams deal from a surplus and attempt to improve a weakness. It appears that the Islanders won’t be trading draft picks or prospects, but instead trading NHL players for other NHL players that can help them pursue a Stanley Cup next season.

Therefore, Wahlstrom is a good candidate to be included in a “hockey trade” this offseason.

The Islanders had big expectations for Wahlstrom when they selected him with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. In his short career, he has flashed a lot of potential, but has not been able to earn a consistent spot in the NHL lineup.

During the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Wahlstrom only played 63:13 of 5-on-5 ice time and was scratched for the last 14 games of the team’s run to the final four. Most noticeably, he was watching from the press box as the Islanders lost 1-0 in Game 7 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

One goal was all the Islanders needed to force overtime and potentially secure a trip to the Stanley Cup, but the Islanders were held scoreless. During that game, Leo Komarov was on the top-line and Travis Zajac also played.

This season, Wahlstrom has been scratched multiple times once again. However, when he is playing, he is struggling, scoring only five goals in his last 46 games. In 13 of those games, he played less than 10 minutes.

Head coach Barry Trotz clearly does not trust Wahlstrom and perhaps Lamoriello will decide it is best to move on from the polarizing young forward. If he does, here are three players the Islanders could acquire this season in a “hockey trade” that involves Wahlstrom.

Jeff Petry – Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens had conversations with other teams and attempted to move Petry at the Trade Deadline, according to Sportsnet. Now, they have the offseason to re-explore a trade.

The Islanders would be a great fit. Petry is a big, puck-moving defenseman who can play over 20 minutes a night when healthy.

Not to mention, the right-handed defenseman could replace Scott Mayfield and his expiring contract after the 2022-23 season. Petry has three years remaining on the four-year, $25 million contract he signed with the Canadiens on Sep. 25, 2020.

From the Canadiens’ perspective, they could have interest in Wahlstrom, a dynamic scorer who would add to the team’s young core during a rebuild.

Tyler Bertuzzi – Detroit Red Wings

The Islanders love physicality and grit, and Bertuzzi provides just that. He is difficult to play against and can score, too — he has over 20 goals and 45 points in the three seasons (2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22) he has played over 60 games.

Bertuzzi has one more season remaining on his contract, and could be traded if the Red Wings’ don’t envision him being on their team team long-term.

Wahlstrom would give them a younger, cheaper option, as they will attempt to make the postseason for the first time since 2016.

The Islanders have reportedly “reached
out” about Tyler Bertuzzi’s availability per James Nichols.

One thing can could pose as a problem is Tyler Bertuzzi remains unvaccinated. Something would have to be figured out between the two parties prior to any agreement on a trade. pic.twitter.com/pekJ3WfwWk

— EVERYDAYISLES  (@EverydayIsles) March 17, 2022

Brock Boeser – Vancouver Canucks

The Islanders need offense and Boeser would provide it. He has scored over 20 goals in four of the last five seasons (including the 2021-22 campaign) and would be a great addition to the Islanders’ top-six forward unit.

One reason why the Canucks could be interested in moving him is because he is a pending restricted free agent and they might not be able to afford his next contract.

The Islanders have over $10 million in cap space this offseason, so they would be able to pay Boeser what he is worth. And while the Islanders might need to include a draft pick to sweeten the deal, Wahlstrom would be a great replacement for Boeser, as the two play very similar offensive games.

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