Islanders Oliver Wahlstrom Makes Top 10 Breakout Candidates List

It’s that time of year again. Most of you are picking your fantasy roster for the upcoming NFL season, unless you’re an Eyes on Isles Patreon member. We spent last night drafting a 20 team fantasy hockey league. It was wild!

Anyway, NHL.com made a list of 10 breakout candidates for the fantasy hockey season, and coming in at number nine is Oliver Wahlstrom.

Wahlstrom’s ADP, or average draft position in these drafts is 194. That would absolutely qualify him as a sleeper heading into the 2021-2022 season. Here’s what the staff said about him being ranked as the ninth most likely breakout candidate:

The New York Islanders wing scored 21 points (12 goals, nine assists), including 10 power-play points (fourth among rookies), in 44 regular-season games and three points (one goal, two assists) in five postseason games before missing time with an injury and not returning to the lineup. After the Kraken selected right wing Jordan Eberle from the Islanders in the Expansion Draft, Wahlstrom (No. 11 pick in 2018 NHL Draft) could be elevated to the top line and first power play with valuable forwards Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee and lead them in goals if he takes the next step under coach Barry Trotz.

Wahlstrom’s role is most likely going to increase for the upcoming season. He played 44 of 56 games last year averaging 12:23 of ice time. He’s anticipated to be a regular on the third line wing with Zach Parise and JG Pageau.

But if his goal scoring potential pops like we’re anticipating he could be on the fast track to the top-six or even the Mat Barzal line.

I would love to pencil him on the top line, but knowing what we know about Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello the likelihood of that happening right away seems low. Regardless, even with veterans like Parise and Pageau he should be more than fine as a goal scorer this year and is a nice depth add in your fantasy draft.