Bruins Claim Oliver Wahlstrom From Waivers

Bruins Claim Oliver Wahlstrom From Waivers

Oliver Wahlstrom is no longer a New York Islanders player. His hometown team, the Boston Bruins, claimed the former lottery pick off waivers earlier this afternoon. The Isles placed both Wahlstrom and Pierre Engvall there with the imminent returns of Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair. Elliotte Freidman first confirmed the news of the move:

Through six seasons, the Maine native has 36 goals and 71 points to his name in 220 NHL games. His one asset that stands out is his shot. After all, it’s his goalscoring ability that helped him get drafted out of Boston College. With a chance to become a regular in a lineup closer to home, this could be the fresh start he has desperately needed. To say his time on Long Island has been tumultuous is a sore understatement. The rope ran out with Patrick Roy this season and he clearly ran out of chances in Orange and Blue.

His best period as an Islander came during the 2022-2023 season. In 35 games, Wally had 7 goals and 16 points, and was on pace for over 15 goals in the middle six. However, an ACL tear ended his season and also career trajectory. It feels that ever since the injury he has been playing catchup to be the player he showed glimpses of. At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, he is not small by any means. On the same token, however, his foot speed is poor and definitely took a hit after his knee injury. He is a poor defensive player and only brings occasional physicality. As good as his shot is, you will rarely have high-level chances to show it at the NHL level.

Shipping Up To Home

The Bruins are slogging through the season and need a spark. After booting Jim Montgomery from head coach, they only have 33 points in 31 games. Good for third in the Atlantic, but there are many Wild Card teams with games in hand that could change the equation. You’d have to think that new coach Joe Sacco will find a way to bring Wahlstrom into the lineup. A team with some more chemistry and continuity playing together will definitely help him settle down. He will probably start in the middle six, but if he finds his scoring touch you’d think he makes his way up the lineup.

Oliver Wahlstrom had an unceremonious end to an unceremonious tenure with the Islanders. After years of needing it, his hometown Bruins are giving him a fresh start with the waiver claim.

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