Lightning & Islanders Could Link Up for Trade
The Tampa Bay Lightning should consider making a push for this New York Islanders forward.
© Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports - Lightning & Islanders Could Link Up for TradeThe Tampa Bay Lightning should look to add one more winger to their roster before the start of the 2024-25 season. This is especially the case at right wing, as their depth at the position could use a bit of a boost.
Given the Lightning's current cap situation, they are not in a position to make a big-time splash. However, they could look to add a bargain player, and one name on the trade market who stands out is New York Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom.
Wahlstrom has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time, and the former first-round pick could use a change of scenery. This is especially so given that his placement on the Islanders' depth chart fell last season and that he was scratched multiple times.
Wahlstrom had a down year in 2023-24, posting two goals, four assists, and a minus-6 rating in 32 games. While he struggled, there is reason to believe he could bounce back in a new situation. Just back in 2022-23, he posted seven goals and 16 points in 35 points. He also had 12 goals and 21 points in 44 games in 2020-21, so the potential for him to be a decent secondary scorer is still there.
At just 24 years old, Wahlstrom still has the potential to get his career back on track and even take a step forward. Perhaps joining a team with plenty of stars like the Lightning could help Wahlstrom on that front.
If the Lightning acquired Wahlstrom, he would give them another young and intriguing option for their top nine and power play. It will be interesting to see if they make a push for him, but on paper, they look like a potential fit. A trade for Wahlstrom would likely need to start with the Lightning's 2026 third-round pick.
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