New York Islanders: Oliver Wahlstrom Is Close But Not Ready Yet

The New York Islanders’ final roster is essentially set. Oliver Wahlstrom was left off but he’s extremely close to being NHL ready.

Lost in the shuffle of the cuts from the New York Islanders was a fairly nice compliment that was paid to Oliver Wahlstrom. The 19-year-old former first-round pick from 2018 is not going to make the roster but he was rather close according to Lou Lamoriello.

Oliver Wahlstrom showed a lot in his final preseason game against the Rangers at MSG. He was all over the ice and applying pressure to Lundqvist in net. Trotz trusted him and put him out there for 16:55 nearly 17 minutes of ice time for a young winger is impressive, preseason or not.

In his three preseason games he picked up one assist, he didn’t score but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t have his chances. He generated 13 shots in three games. In two out of the three games, he had five shots.

Oliver Wahlstrom will start the year in Bridgeport, where he had success last year. In a 10 game sample size, he had seven points (4 goals, 3 assists). He should play a significant role in the AHL and if there’s an injury to the top-six he should be the first in line to get a call.

Depending on how Anthony Beauvillier and/or Michael Dal Colle is playing the Isles could also call up Wahlstrom for the second line and then move Beau down to line three. Beauvillier – Brassard – Komarov is a little more appealing than Dal Colle. Or swap Dal Colle and Komarov and it might look even nicer.

The Isles have a talented farm system, highlighted by Wahlstrom as the main forward. Don’t forget this name, he’ll be back shortly.

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