Anders Lee Jam Kancer EAST MEADOW, NY -- Just as Oliver Wahlstrom [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/new-york-islanders-alexander-romanov-training-camp] was figuring things out at the NHL level in his fourth season with the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/new-york-islanders-trianing-camp-roster-schedule-2], an ACL injury in late December put a damper on things. The 23-year-old forward missed the final 47 games of the regular season and the entirety of the Islanders' first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. In 35 games, Wahlstrom scored seven goals with nine assists, playing a majority of that time alongside Mathew Barzal. Now, back on the ice with his teammates for the first day of training camp, Wahlstrom feels great. "It feels awesome, man," Wahlstrom said. "It was almost a year off. It's just so fun and exciting." No one wants to be on the shelf and watch, but Wahlstrom took advantage of his injury to better himself in other areas. "It was probably the best eight months I've ever had in my life," Wahlstrom said. "I got more bounce in my step. I'm stronger. I got time to work on muscles I don't normally work on, and also, too, [it was] an unbelievable reset for me. "I've built my confidence up through this injury. I think going through this injury was extremely, extremely healthy for me. I had to take care of my body, I had to do the right things off the ice, and honestly, I have found a little confidence in this injury. I've never been this excited to start the season before in my career." While Wahlstrom did not feel any soreness after day one, he knows it will come at some point. "For me, I don't notice any difference at all. I trained in Michigan for my first reps back on the ice against Jack Hughes and Kyle Connor, so that that tested me pretty well," Wahlstrom said. "But I really don't see any problems. Obviously, day five and six, that's gonna probably feel some soreness, but I feel right back in it, timing and everything's pretty good." Wahlstrom comes into a camp with a new focus compared to years past. "Each year, I'm getting older and more mature and wiser, and my mind this year is like an "F-it" mindset. Just go out and have fun because I already did nine months of preparing. So that's just just the mindset now." Wahlstrom signed a one-year deal worth $874, 125, a prove-it deal if you will. "Today was not an easy day. I thought he looked good," Islanders head coach Lane Lambert said. "Shot the puck well." Wahlstrom showcased a physical side to his game last season before the injury, as it seems he is focused on becoming more than just a shooter but a strong power forward. Lambert believes he's on the right track. "The thing about a power forward is you're not afraid, and he goes to the net hard. He plays physical. He can shoot the puck, so I do think that's a logical next step for him."
