Forward Target Gives Penguins Top Six Option
The Penguins could get younger and improve their forward depth by targeting a New York Islanders forward.
PITTSBURGH -- In the dead of the offseason, the Pittsburgh Penguins are alive in the rumor mill. They have been linked to multiple forwards expected to be traded this summer. One of those players could be an unexpected fit to improve their top six and accomplish Kyle Dubas' goal of getting younger: Oliver Wahlstrom.
Wahlstrom is a former first-round pick of the New York Islanders. He was selected 11th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft and was a highly touted shooter with top-of-the-lineup potential. After a year in the NCAA, he broke through with the Islanders and posted 12 goals in 44 games as a rookie. The next season, he spent the entire year in the NHL and potted 13 goals in 73 games.
In the two years since Wahlstrom has lost his way. It started with an ACL injury that limited him to just 35 games during the 2022-23 season. That severely impacted his skating, which was arguable the biggest knock against him as he was coming up the ranks.
His struggles intensified when he couldn't force his way back into the lineup this past season. The Islanders gave him plenty of opportunities at the start of the campaign and in the middle of the year, but he failed to take advantage. The biggest knock against him seemed to be that he didn't move his feet enough in either zone, which eliminated his ability to get open and shoot on the offensive end. Without being a threat to score, Wahlstrom's game is null and void.
That could change in Pittsburgh, however. He needs to improve his awareness and keep making progress on his skating if he wants another shot to stick in the NHL, but there's no denying the offensive ability he possesses. Could a change of scenery be the spark Wahlstrom needs to become an every day player or more?
Wahlstrom doesn't stand out as a top-six forward, but new surroundings may help him exceed expectations.
With the Penguins, he could get a real opportunity with some future Hall of Famers. Wahlstrom could slot alongside Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby, who would both be better suited to create scoring chances for him to finish. In return, the Pens could take a chance on a young forward with upside. The worst case scenario, they bring him in on a cheap, one-year contract. The best case, Dubas hits big on a forward who can play in the top six for the next few years.
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