Eyes On Isles
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Islanders Simon Holmstrom Has Found Scoring Touch

By Matt O'Leary

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Simon Holmstrom poses for a portrait after being selected twenty-third overall by the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Simon Holmstrom poses for a portrait after being selected twenty-third overall by the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) /
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After a slow start, Simon Holmstrom has found his scoring touch for the Islanders’ AHL affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers with another goal last night.

When the New York Islanders called Simon Holmstrom’s name with the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the NHL world scratched their collective head. Holmstrom was projected as a second-rounder, especially after an injury-riddled season the year prior.

Lou Lamoriello loved what he saw in the kid, and decided to take a flier on him in the first round. After a slow start in the AHL, it looks like he has figured it out.

Holmstrom, who played his hockey in Sweden last year, had just one point in the Sound Tigers first 10 games. It was clearly an adjustment period for the 18-year-old from Sweden who was still getting acclimated to the North American game.

In his last six games, he has found his scoring touch that many scouts loved when he was going through the draft process.

On November 2 and 3, Hoplmstrom scored goals in back to back games against Lehigh Valley for his first two professional goals. It’s just what the doctor ordered as both he and the Sound Tigers were struggling.

Last night, he netted his third thanks to a beauty of an Oliver Wahlstrom assist:

A look into the Islanders future? I certainly hope so. Oliver Wahlstrom got a nine-game look but he proved to be not ready for the big show yet, so he will head back to the AHL to perfect his craft.

Holmstrom is still just a pup at 18, he will likely take a little longer than Wahlstrom and that’s just fine. The Isles have good organizational depth, especially on the wing and on the blue line. Even if Holmstrom needs two full seasons in the AHL the Isles will be just fine because they have Oliver Wahlstrom, Kieffer Bellows, and Otto Koivula ahead of him who can get the call if need be.

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Holmstrom looks to be proving doubters (me) wrong so far. If he can stay healthy and put up goals, Lou Lamoriello might’ve found that elusive diamond in the rough.

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