Can Oliver Wahsltrom force his way into the NY Islanders lineup?

It hasn't been the start to a career Oliver Wahsltrom was hoping for when the NY Islanders drafted him 11th overall in 2018.

Failing to reach his potential and a season-ending injury has kept him out of the Islanders' everyday lineup, with perhaps his final opportunity to stick with the team.

After the 2024 NHL Draft, the usually short-spoken Lou Lamoriello said that he would explore trading Wahlstrom if the right deal were to appear. Well, it appears that deal never reached Lamoreillo's desk, as the Islanders re-signed the 24-year-old to a 1-year, $1M contract last month.

The contract agreement doesn't necessarily mean Wahlstrom will be part of this season's roster, but rather it buys Lamoriello time to seek out a trade partner.

Now, Wahlstrom may earn a spot in the lineup with a strong training camp, but he continues not to meet expectations and if Lamoriello cannot find a suitable trade, he can waive Wahlstom, and if he clears waivers, his salary wouldn't effect the Islanders salary cap.

Ideally, Wahlstrom will show up to camp next month and force his way into the lineup - but that has yet to be seen.