Injuries, Bad Timing, But a Positive Attitude: How Oliver Wahlstrom Saved His Islanders’ Career

Entering this past summer, the fate of Oliver Wahlstrom seemed to be sealed. He didn’t play a game that mattered after the end of February. He was a pending RFA, and some even guessed he may not be qualified after the NHL Draft.

After the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, New York Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello told the media the Islanders plan for Wahlstrom. The team would qualify him. Then, Lamoriello added, “If we can get him an opportunity because it hasn’t worked out, (we will), but we’re not just going to give him away.”

It seemed as blatant as Lamoriello could be that the Islanders were working toward moving on from the 2018 first-round pick. Then, as the summer rolled on, Wahlstrom remained an Islander while the media speculated on his status.

Wahlstrom’s History:

But how had things fallen so quickly? Wahlstrom had shown some early promise back under Barry Trotz, even making the game-one lineup during the 2021 Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He suited up for the first five games, scored a power-play goal, and added a pair of assists. Then, in game five, Wahlstrom endured a funky hit and exited the game injured.

Travis Zajac entered for game six and never left the lineup. In Zajac’s 14 playoff games, he scored one goal and two points.

The following season, expectations were high for Wahlstrom. He played in a career-high 73 games and scored 13 goals and 24 points. It was an admitted up-and-down season as the Islanders missed the playoffs for the only time under Lamoriello.

The Islanders fired Trotz and promoted Lane Lambert. Under Lambert, Wahlstrom received more chances with the top six, and through the first 35 games, Wahlstrom registered seven goals and 16 points, putting himself on pace for a career year.

Then, Wahlstrom tore his ACL, ending his season.

Both injuries came at unfortunate times for Wahlstrom, and he spoke exclusively to NYI Hockey Now about how it affected him as a player.

“It’s just a maturity thing as the years go on. I think the key is that at the end of each year, I think you just look yourself in the mirror.

Anders Lee and how his ACL Experience helped Wahlstrom:

Wahlstrom made a point to discuss how much having Anders Lee around helped him during his recovery. “It was nice to lean on him for some questions early on. Obviously, I had no idea what to expect. Even after a year and now almost two, I still have stuff, especially rehab questions.”

Lee tore his ACL during the 2020-21 season and missed the entire playoff run, which ended in seven games against the Lightning. He knows, better than any Islander, the frustration that comes with the injury and how hard the recovery process is.

Lee opened up to NYI Hockey Now about that type of recovery.

“The knee injury takes time. You can push it as hard as you can and, you know, everyone’s is different. Still, everyone feels, you know, 18 months out of it, two years out of it, it’s really a big difference. You can maybe play at seven or eight months, but you’re not going to feel the way you want to feel for quite a long time after that.”

Lee specifically talked about how hard Wahlstrom worked during camp.

“Wally came in with a great mindset and determination. He had a great summer, putting work in. He showed up ready to go, and that was clearly evident through camp.”

This Summer:

Wahlstrom spent time in Sweden this past summer. He is a dual citizen of both the US and Sweden. He saw his family and then visited with Simon Holmstrom, another Swede.

“I wanted to see where he (Holmstrom) lived. We played tennis, focused on it, and battled hard, but it was good. We had a blast.”

He signed a one-year extension with the franchise before his arbitration date in late July. Even after training camp began, it seemed Wahlstrom’s departure was imminent. The Islanders needed to shed money to fit Maxim Tsyplakov’s deal under the cap. Wahlstrom was the odd man out, armed with a deal that could be fully buried if waived and sent to Bridgeport.

Training Camp:

Then, camp happened. Wahlstrom had a strong camp and preseason, scoring against the New Jersey Devils with a shot that impressed Head Coach Patrick Roy. Wahlstrom continued to plug away, but he often lined up with guys on the outside looking in, such as Matt Martin (PTO).

Then, he got an opportunity. Ahead of the final preseason game against the New York Rangers, Wahlstrom lined up with Casey Cizikas and Kyle MacLean, two guys secure in their role with the Islanders’ fourth line.

This was Wahlstrom’s chance to prove he could effectively play a bottom-six role and that he had more to show. Wahlstrom met with the general media group ahead of the game and emphasized the importance of this healthy summer for him. He finished by guaranteeing he’s a contributor to this team.

The game came and went, and the Islanders soundly beat the New York Rangers. Wahlstrom had an extremely effective game, working hard in the forecheck, and nearly found the back of the net on multiple occasions.

After the game, Roy was effusive in his praise for Wahlstrom and the fourth line.

“I loved him. I thought his whole line was great. (They were) up against their top line, and they had my total trust.”

The Decision and Player Thoughts:

Fast-forward a few days, and the Islanders made their decision. Pierre Engvall and Hudson Fasching were waived, and Wahlstrom made the team.

He’s poised to make the opening night lineup over Julien Gauthier. That’s not enough for Wahlstrom, though.

“You can’t really have the mindset that you made the team. I just got to go in every day and enjoy the game and have fun. I’ll have to continue to grow my game, and I know when I’m on my game, I can help this team and contribute for sure.”

MacLean thinks he’s going to help out him and Cizikas as well:

“He’s definitely earned it. Obviously, he’s a great shooter and he’s playing with some great energy. I thought we had pretty good chemistry against the Rangers, so I’m definitely excited for us to get going on Thursday.”

Ryan Pulock noticed the hard work emanating from Wahlstrom, as well.

“He had a tough injury a couple of years ago. Last year, it was tough to find his stride. Didn’t play in a whole lot of games. But you know what? He’s always held his head high. He’s always came to work. He worked hard this summer. He showed up in camp. Wally looked great, and he earned his spot. It’s really good to see him back in the mix, and he’s going to battle for us all year long.”

Holmstrom, Wahlstrom’s Swedish pal, also expressed excitement about Wahlstrom making the cut.

“It’s awesome. His shot is unbelievable, his playmaking abilities are great, and he works hard out there. He’s a great player. He’s got that Clutterbuck element, with that shot and a heavy body. I think he’ll be a great fit with Kyle and Casey.”

Wahlstrom, throughout camp, has emphasized a couple of things he’s truly been focused on above all else.

“I’ve just got to have fun out there and enjoy it. I can only control what I can. I know I can be a contributor and a factor for this team.”