DALLAS — The New York Islanders have a new general manager, a new coach, and now a new high-scoring right winger. The team selected Oliver Wahlstrom, a 6′ 1″ American power forward with the 11th overall pick in 2018 NHL Draft here.
Wahlstrom has committed to play college hockey at Boston College. He put up impressive numbers playing for the junior hockey United States National Development Program, pacing his team with 94 points, including 48 goals. He fired 288 shots on goal in 62 games. And he’s got a hell of a one-timer. Sound like any player you know?
Wahlstrom says he tries to model his game on Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, though he bristled when I compared his style to Ovi’s.
“I don’t think I can compare anything to that guy,” Wahlstrom said with a laugh. “He’s a different breed. He was my childhood hero.”
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“I pick up stuff from him,” Wahlstrom continued. “His passion, how he loves scoring goals.”
Wahlstrom also admitted that he had two Fatheads of Ovechkin on his bedroom walls.
“I think I can bring a lot of offensive flair,” Wahlstrom said when asked to describe his game. “I’m a kid who loves winning. I want to raise a Stanley Cup for this organization so I’m excited. … My biggest asset is my shot. I can get it off from anywhere. Scoring goals is my specialty.”
The talented forward first arrived on the hockey map when he became a viral sensation at the age of nine. Before a Boston Bruins game, Wahlstrom used a lacrosse move to score a shootout goal.
From viral video sensation to the #NHLDraft.@JamisonCoyle tells the story of prospect Oliver Wahlstrom. pic.twitter.com/UIT1sa2zZq
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 22, 2018
Wahlstrom may now play for a division rival, but RMNB always supports a player who “love to celebration” and “love to goals.”
Welcome to the #Isles Noah Dobson and Oliver Wahlstrom! #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/7ackt9SE3L
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) June 23, 2018
I hope whichever team drafts Oliver Wahlstrom just uses this as his headshot forever pic.twitter.com/9Ea9enviu7
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 19, 2018
Ian Oland contributed to this article.
Headline photo: Bruce Bennett
