Oliver Wahlstrom

Wahlstrom was never able to find his footing under Barry Trotz. He was a bit better at times last season in Lane Lambert's first year in charge, posting seven goals and 16 points in 35 games before an injury suffered in a late December game against Pittsburgh ended his campaign. It was originally reported as a head injury, but later revealed to be a knee ailment. Wahlstrom is expected to be ready for training camp, but unless his usage improves from the third-line role he's seen over the last three years, he won't be a fantasy option.

It's difficult to label Wahlstrom's 2021-22 season as a disappointment considering he played the entire year at age 21, but for a player who is a noted sniper, Wahlstrom scored just 13 times in 73 games, including just one goal in his final 17 contests. The Islanders as a team struggled to generate offense last year, and that undoubtedly played a role, but New York needs Wahlstrom's goal-scoring ability to shine through on a more consistent basis, especially since he doesn't offer much in terms of defensive value. Wahlstrom is still a theoretical breakout candidate given his youth and individual talent level, but this probably isn't an offense you want to invest in from a fantasy perspective. Buyer beware.

Wahlstrom began the season in a depth/reserve role for the Islanders, but they needed his goal-scoring ability as the year progressed and the 21-year-old winger responded with 12 tallies in 44 games. Ten of Wahlstrom's 21 points came with the man advantage. Wahlstrom has been a high-level offensive player for years, so it shouldn't be surprising that he produced at that rate when given the opportunity. Wahlstrom's biggest issue at the moment is carving out a significant role at even strength. Barry Trotz is a defensive-minded coach and won't play you if you can't contribute in all three zones. It's certainly not a lock by any stretch of the imagination, but a 25-goal sophomore campaign is well within reach for Wahlstrom if everything breaks correctly in 2021-22.

Wahlstrom skated in nine games for the Islanders last year, but failed to record a point. He spent the rest of the season with AHL Bridgeport, where he collected 22 points in 45 contests. Based on those numbers, it might be a lot to expect the 20-year-old winger to make the jump to the NHL this season. Wahlstrom, the 11th overall pick from 2018, would likely do just fine as an NHL scorer this year, but head coach Barry Trotz will want the Massachusetts native to be reliable in his own zone, as well. Another year or two in the minors will likely serve Wahlstrom well, but dynasty managers may want to stash him in case he makes an unexpected splash in 2020-21.

The No. 11 overall pick from the 2018 NHL Draft struggled a bit to adjust to playing at the NCAA level, but he finished last season scoring eight goals and 19 points in 36 games with Boston College. With the U.S. National U18 Team in 2017-18, he posted 48 goals and 94 points in 62 contests. As many young players do, Wahlstrom still needs to work on his defensive traits, which could keep him out of the NHL another year, but the 19-year-old is a sensational scorer. In a small sample, he scored four goals and seven points in 10 AHL games last year, including the playoffs. Wahlstrom's likely still at least a year away from a full-time gig with the Islanders, but he should be owned in all dynasty formats.

Selected 11th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Wahlstrom already possesses an NHL-ready body at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds despite being just 18 years old. A sniper, Wahlstrom collected a whopping 94 points over 62 contests with the U.S. National U18 team last season and has committed to playing out 2018-19 with Boston College. He could be a one-and-done candidate in the college ranks, allowing him to sign an entry-level contract after one season and potentially earn his first taste of professional hockey late in the campaign.