Islanders select Oliver Wahlstrom 11th overall
The New York Islanders selected forward Oliver Wahlstrom with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.
Oliver Wahlstrom
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 205 lbs
Age: 18
Club: USA U-18 (NTDP)
Nationality: American
| GP | G | A | P | 5v5 GPG | 5v5 PPG | 5v5 GF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 22 | 23 | 45 | 0.65 | 1.15 | 75.4 |
(Even-strength stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)
From hockey prodigy to budding NHL star, Oliver Wahlstrom has the makings of an elite goal-scorer who can seemingly bury the puck from anywhere on the ice. The bulking forward benefits from a quick release as well as a fearless approach in seeking out the front of the net.
As part of the American Under-18 program, Wahlstrom scored a team-leading 45 points, besting 2019 projected top pick Jack Hughes by six points (although Wahlstrom appeared in eight more games). It's a significant uptick from a year ago when Wahlstrom notched eight points in 21 contests as part of the Under-17 squad.
American-born with Swedish roots, Wahlstrom laces up for the United States on the international calendar. He finished second in scoring to Hughes at the recent Under-18 World Championship, netting nine points in seven games. Wahlstrom has committed to Boston College for 2018-19.
"Wahlstrom already has an NHL-caliber shot with a quick release and the ability to create space for himself and linemates. He's most known for his goal-scoring ability and elite shot, and can hit a one-timer as good or better than many professional players," NHL.com's Mike Morreale said.