Islanders Noah Dobson and Oliver Wahlstrom Showing They’re Part of the Future

The New York Islanders are playing well after a tough early stretch on the road. Part of the reason for their success has been the play of Noah Dobson and Oliver Wahlstrom.

New York Islanders Lou Lamoriello’s first days on the job saw him in charge of two upcoming critical decisions regarding the 2018 NHL Draft. The Isles had the 11th and 12th overall picks in 2018. Lamoriello had to be delighted to see Dobson and Wahlstrom still on the board when the Islanders were on the clock.

Blue Chippers Producing

Dobson and Wahlstrom have become mainstays in the lineup this season. Dobson has been paired with Andy Greene, while Wahlstrom is playing alongside J.G Pageau. Both youngsters couldn’t have found better mentors to play with and learn from.

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Dobson and Wahlstrom’s production has been really good. They are not carrying the mail for this team nor should they be asked to do so. In years past when the Isles were trying to take the next step too often the team needed their top young prospects to produce at a high level right away in the NHL. That was both unrealistic and not good for those players’ development.

So far this season both Dobson and Wahlstrom are contributing on a nightly basis. Also, they seem to be getting better with each and every game.

Having Barry Trotz watch over the youngsters so they stay on the right path is worth its weight in gold. That can only mean big things for this duo for years to come.

Future Core

Dobson and Wahlstrom are on a path to be part of the Isles future core for years to come. Dobson as a top-pairing defenseman and Wahlstrom as a top-six winger, maybe even a first-line goal scorer.

Many experts have said the Islanders are a win now team. When you look at the ages of Dobson, Wahlstrom, Mathew Barzal, Anthony Beauvillier, Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, Ilya Sorokin, and the team’s top prospects the Isles should be really good for years to come. Especially if Lamoriello and Trotz stick around.

Not too long ago there were some questions about how good Dobson and Wahlstrom would become. It looks like those questions have been put to rest.