By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
Fifteen years after he broke the internet as a nine-year-old with a ridiculous shootout goal, Oliver Wahlstrom is returning to TD Garden. The Portland, Maine native was claimed off of waivers by the Boston Bruins, after putting up four points in 27 games this season with the New York Islanders.
Wahlstrom was selected 11th overall by the Islanders in the 2018 National Hockey League Entry Draft after a solid career with the United States National Team Development Program. Wahlstrom spent one season with the Boston College Eagles, before signing his first professional contract. Outside of a short ten game spell with AIK in Sweden during the 2020-21 Covid shortened season, Wahlstrom has spent his entire pro career to date in the Islanders organization.
In his 220 career NHL games, Wahlstrom has 36 goals and 35 assists for 71 points. Eleven of those 36 goals have come on the man advantage, making Wahlstrom a potential asset for a Bruins power play that has struggled for the duration of the season. Regardless of if Wahlstrom is able to earn power play opportunities or not, it will be interesting to see where he will slot into the B’s lineup.
Boston has struggled so far on their west coast road trip, losing the first two games to the Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken by a combined score of 13-2. Could the eventual insertion of Wahlstrom provide a much needed spark to a struggling Bruins squad? Seems like it’s worth a shot.
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