Fansided

New York Islanders Daily: Oliver Wahlstrom Has Impressive Comparables

By Matt O'Leary |
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Oliver Wahlstrom poses after being selected eleventh overall by the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Oliver Wahlstrom poses after being selected eleventh overall by the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

The New York Islanders 2018 first round selection, Oliver Wahlstrom, has some interesting player comparisons that give him a very high ceiling.

Oliver Wahlstrom falling to the New York Islanders might just be the best blessing for this team. The 18-year-old Wahlstrom, who put up 48 goals last year, was surprisingly there for the taking at 11 when the Islanders picked.

The Islanders made the smart choice and selected him with the pick and now we get to anxiously wait for his NHL debut, which might be sooner than people think. No, it likely won’t be in 2018-2019 but 2019-2020 is certainly in question for the winger. Wahlstrom is likely headed to Boston College next year where he will perfect his craft.

Wahlstrom, while speaking with NHL.com, had an interesting quote as for who he thinks his game is similar to:

“I can’t really model myself after him; he’s a different breed,” Wahlstrom said of Ovechkin. “I think me and Patrik Laine are a little similar, how we shoot, things like that. My favorite players are Patrik Laine and Ovechkin.

Alex Ovechkin and Patrik Laine are both right-handed shots with an elite level shot. That’s exactly what Wahlstrom can be at the next level. Many thought he was the best goal scorer in the draft class and he certainly models his game around two of the best goal scorers in the league.

Laine had 36 goals in his rookie year while Ovechkin had 52. I’m not sure Wahlstrom will have that kind of impact at least right away but he should be a perennial 30 goal scorer by the time his development is all said and done.

Watching this kid in camp, and over the next few years are going to be a lot of fun. The Isles core can be very young and exciting in a few seasons and for that, we should be excited.

Isles Tweet of the Day

Our Stuff

Editorials: Is Jan Kovar worth a look?

The New York Islanders now have a need for a second line center. Is Jan Kovar worth taking a look at to fill that role?

Next: The Islanders Will Play Old-School Hockey

Editorials: 2014-2015 was the year to go for it

With the John Tavares era over, the New York Islanders severely missed the boat to go for it. 2014-2015 was the perfect year to go all-in.

Home / NY Islanders News