The New York Islanders are keeping one of their own. RFA forward Oliver Wahlstrom has a new contract. He will remain on Long Island for the next year and make $874,125, which was his qualifying offer. After an injury-riddled year, this is a good deal for both sides.
#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders have signed Oliver Wahlstrom to a one-year contract.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 17, 2023
Wahlstrom Stays On The Island
Money is not in plenty for Lou Lamoriello. After losing key free agents in Scott Mayfield and Semyon Varlamov, keeping one of their own was important. Oliver Wahlstrom has a new contract with the club. He is not the flashiest of all players, but he uses his big frame to his advantage. Standing at 6’2 and weighing 205 pounds, he is a big body that is not afraid to go to the front of the net.
Point production has never been his strong suit, despite starting roughly 17% of his shifts in the offensive zone. The year prior was not much less so he sees his fair share of opportunity. Last year was a career year for Wahlstrom. In 73 games, he scored 13 goals, 11 assists, and 24 points. Furthermore, he was limited to just 35 games this season and notched 16 points. With the majority of this roster on the veteran side, keeping young blood around is a wise decision by Lamoriello.
What This Means
For The Islanders
The Oliver Wahlstrom contract makes sense for the Islanders. The majority of the core is locked up for the long haul. Recently, Lamoriello has extended Mathew Barzal as well as Bo Horvat. Not to mention Anders Lee, Adam Pelech, and Brock Nelson are also locked in for the next few seasons. The biggest factor for this club is that Ilya Sorokin owns the crease. In addition, he has one year before receiving a luxurious payday.
The Islanders were a playoff team this season. However, with them looking slower than their opponent the Carolina Hurricanes, the goal is to get younger and faster. With a roster littered with aging veterans, New York keeping him around can signal the future and present of youth on the team that’s impactful.
For The Player
Security is important, and that is what this contract is for Oliver Wahlstrom. Despite ending the season on injured reserve, he can build off a career year the season before. Wahlstrom is a strong young player with a physical upside. This year he finished with just 50 hits as opposed to his 101 his last season. But overall, Wahlstrom is a good young talent that can be plugged into any situation. He may not be the building block player, but a complimentary piece going forward.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
