The New York Islanders have officially announced that they have reached a decision on the future of their pending restricted free agent, Oliver Wahlstrom. The team’s former 11th overall pick from the 2018 NHL Draft has put pen to paper on a new contract with the organization, securing his place for the upcoming season.
Wahlstrom’s new contract has been met with approval from the Islanders’ management and fanbase alike. The young forward has shown flashes of his talent during his limited opportunities in the NHL, and there is a belief that with more consistent playing time, he can truly showcase his abilities.
In his brief stints with the Islanders in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, Wahlstrom managed to make an impact on the scoresheet. He tallied 21 points in 44 games during the 2020-21 campaign, followed by 24 points in 73 games the following season. While he may not be ready for a top-six role just yet, there is optimism that he can thrive as a valuable contributor on the third line.
It’s worth noting that the Islanders have had their fair share of struggles when it comes to developing young talent in the past. Players like Joshua Ho-Sang, Michael Dal Colle, and Kieffer Bellows have all faced challenges in making the transition to the NHL. However, there is a sense of hope surrounding Wahlstrom, as he continues to show potential for growth and improvement.
As Wahlstrom looks ahead to the upcoming season, he will have the opportunity to prove himself once again and cement his place in the Islanders’ lineup. With his skillset and determination, there is a belief that he can be a key contributor to the team’s success moving forward.
The road ahead may not be easy, but with his new contract in hand, Wahlstrom is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead and make his mark in the NHL.
Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
What did he do last year? The numbers speak for themselves – Wahlstrom showed glimpses of his potential and contributed valuable points to the team, indicating that he has what it takes to be a difference-maker in the league. The best is yet to come for this young talent, and Islanders fans are eager to see what the future holds for Oliver Wahlstrom.
