New York Islanders: Oliver Wahlstrom Shines At Scrimmage

New York Islanders first-round selection Oliver Wahlstrom wowed the crowd with three goals at the annual Blue and White Scrimmage.

Fans packed out the New York Islanders practice facility for a chance to look at the Islanders future. Every year, the team puts on a scrimmage to showcase their prospects and this year was no different.

The place was buzzing, mostly with anxiety from the John Tavares contract situation. But fans were excited to see the Islanders three top selections from this draft class; Oliver Wahlstrom, Noah Dobson, and Bode Wilde.

Last night, it was 11th overall pick Oliver Wahlstrom that stole the show.

In the first game, the White Team jumped out to an early lead. But it was Wahlstrom who got Blue back into the game with this highlight reel goal:

Northwell Health Ice Center jumped to its collective feet in amazement as Wahlstrom proved why it was pure luck that he was there 11th overall. He wasn’t done. He went on to score another goal in that first game, both goals coming in the first seven minutes of action.

Later on, Wahlstrom was awarded a penalty shot and he scored his third goal of the night capping off an excellent showcase.

Wahlstrom seemed very impressed with the turnout at Northwell last night as he said this to Cory Wright:

"“It’s awesome, it shows you the passion they have for your team and I take it to heart,” Wahlstrom said of the crowd at Northwell Health Ice Center. “It’s a dream come true to go through a first development camp for me. I’m very fortunate and very happy I’m with this organization.”"

Last night backed up my theory that Oliver Wahlstrom won’t be too far off. This year he’ll play college hockey at Boston College but after that, there’s a legit chance he can make the team in 2019-2020.

Next: Tavares' Top Destinations

His skills are elite, he has a wicked shot and finds the back of the net with such ease the Islanders would be silly to keep him in the AHL or at college for long. Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom were feeding each other one-timers in warmups and it was a thing of beauty. I need to see that on the NHL ice in 2019.