DALLAS – The New York Islanders chose one of the best pure shooters in the 2018 NHL Draft when they selected Oliver Wahlstrom with the 11th overall pick Friday night at the American Airlines Center. “It’s a dream come true," Wahlstrom said. "To be in New York, that city is awesome. That organization has been...
DALLAS – The New York Islanders chose one of the best pure shooters in the 2018 NHL Draft when they selected Oliver Wahlstrom with the 11th overall pick Friday night at the American Airlines Center.
“It’s a dream come true," Wahlstrom said. "To be in New York, that city is awesome. That organization has been a powerhouse organization for a while.”
The pick was the first for Lou Lamoriello (Johnston, R.I.) as leader of the Islanders' hockey operations.
Wahlstrom, a Quincy, Mass., native played the last two seasons for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP). Prior to that, he spent time with North Yarmouth Academy in Maine and Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota.
Wahlstrom, a Boston College recruit, scored 48 goals and added 46 helpers this past season with the NTDP U-18 team. In seven games at the IIHF U-18 World Championship, Wahlstrom potted seven goals and two assists.
A right wing, the 18-year-old is a power forward with a lethal shot. He can get it off quickly and from just about anywhere on the sheet. It comes at goaltenders with zip and he routinely picks corners.
“I’m a big, strong power forward with lots of skill and creativity," Wahlstrom said. "My biggest asset is my shot. I can get it off from anywhere. Scoring goals has been my specialty since I’ve been a little kid."
“I think I can bring a lot of offensive flare," Wahlstrom said. "I love winning."
He’s becoming a better all-around player, but that part of his game is still a work in progress. It'll be a must at the NHL level.
“I need to be better playing without the puck," Wahlstrom granted. "I have to hone in on that and be more consistent on that stuff."
Perhaps no one in the 2018 NHL Draft received more fame than Wahlstrom did so young. At the ripe age of 9, he was the star of a viral video recorded by NESN as part of a Bruins Mini 1-on-1 competition.
He became the youngest player to verbally commit to a NCAA school when he announced his intention to play college hockey at Maine as a seventh grader. He eventually committed to Harvard before landing on his current destination, BC.
His father, Joakim, played two years of college hockey at Maine, then played five seasons of professional hockey in Europe.
“It’s an emotional day with what my dad has been through," Wahlstrom said. "He was helping us out with everything. Hugging him was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life."
