Kings Should Target Islanders Young Forward in Arbitration

While their roster is mostly set, the Los Angeles Kings would benefit from adding another forward before training camp starts.

Preferably a right shot who has a scoring touch. 

As discussed in a previous article, the ideal player might already be in the organization, however, the Kings have not shown much faith in him previously.

If the Kings don't view Samuel Fagemo as a legitimate option to help the team, they should set their sights on New York Islanders forward Oliver Wahlstrom.

The former first-round pick recently filed for arbitration and as THN's Stefen Rosner put it, that arbitration filing could be an attempt from Wahlstrom's camp trying to hurry a trade along.

At this point, Wahlstrom could come at a cut price that would interest Rob Blake who's limited in his assets and cap space.

As I suggested a few weeks ago, a swap deal with Arthur Kaliyev could benefit both sides if Kaliyev isn't seen as an option for LA.

I've talked about Wahlstrom as a fit before, but he's somewhere worth re-iterating.

He's a nice in-between for what Blake has been trying to add this summer.

Blake has fully turned into the 'desire to win' need for the Kings, adding a handful of gritty, hardnosed players who you could argue lack ideal NHL skill, especially in a top-nine capacity.

That's where Wahlstrom fits in well. He's proven he has NHL skill, finishing the 2021-22 season with 0.89 goals per 60 minutes and 1.64 points per 60, all good rates.

Before tearing his ACL in the 2022-23 season, he was putting up even better rates with 0.99 goals per 60 and 2.25 points per 60.

Per 60 rates aren't perfect indicators of player quality, but it does show Wahlstrom has offensive pop. Where he separates himself from someone like Kaliyev or Fagemo is his physicality.

He's far more physical than either player and would give Blake a skilled top-nine option without giving up that 'desire to win' he craves.

The Kings have frequently placed a premium on those intangibles and seem fully committed to it this summer, making Wahlstrom an ideal pick-up.

His ability to score on the man advantage would also help fill the hole left by Viktor Arvidsson's departure even if they play different roles.

If you put Wahlstrom on Quinton Byfield's wing, opposite Kevin Fiala, he'll get plenty of chances and finish a fair few of them.

If Fagemo nor Kaliyev are viewed as NHL options, Wahlstrom would immediately become the most prolific shooter on the team behind Adrian Kempe and give the Kings a new element to their top nine and power play.

Given what's expected to be a fairly low price, there's no reason not to take a flyer on Wahlstrom.

If he doesn't fit, waive him. He either improves the Ontario Reign, who need reinforcements, or he's a perfect fit for what you're lacking in the top nine.