Former NY Islanders first-round pick Oliver Wahlstrom may have his new home for the 2026-27 season

The NY Islanders declined to make Matt Maggio a qualifying offer this summer, making him a free agent. Today, Maggio signed a one-year contract with Salavat Yulaev of the KHL. Aside from Maggio, another former Islanders prospect could also be headed to Russia after not catching on with an NHL team.

Former first round pick Oliver Wahlstrom could be ready to make the move to the KHL, with one of the league's clubs prepared to make him a substantial offer according to Artur Khairullin.

Wahlstrom could be heading to Russia

Selected with pick No. 11 in the 2018 NHL Draft, Wahlstrom was known as the best natural goal scorer in the draft. The American sniper was supposed to step into the lineup and become a top-6 winger scoring 30+ goals per season, but that never came to fruition.

Wahlstrom’s skating held him back, as he never got the ball rolling during his time on Long Island. His best stretch came in his first NHL season, when he scored 12 goals in 44 games. But over his next 166 games, Wahlstrom only managed to find the back of the net 24 times.

On Dec. 13, 2024, the Islanders placed Wahlstrom on waivers, claimed by the Boston Bruins. He played 16 games for Boston, scoring once, before being sent down to Providence of the AHL. Last season, Wally spent the season with the San Jose Barracuda, leading the team in goals with 24.

Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News reported earlier this summer that the Islanders may be interested in a reunion with Wahlstrom, but it doesn’t appear any progress has been made.

Despite his success out West, Wahlstrom hasn’t caught on with an NHL team and now may be headed to Russia.

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