Oliver Wahlstrom's Islanders career ends as Bruins claim him off waivers
- Oliver Wahlstrom was claimed off waivers by the Boston Bruins after being waived by the New York Islanders.
- His waiver came as part of the Islanders' strategy to activate Mat Barzal from long-term injured reserve.
- Wahlstrom's inconsistent performance and injuries led to his decline with the Islanders, ending his six-year tenure with the team.
In the United States, Oliver Wahlstrom's career with the New York Islanders concluded when he was claimed off waivers by the Boston Bruins on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The Bruins are offering him a fresh start as the player returns to his home region of New England, not far from where he briefly attended Boston College. The Islanders had waived Wahlstrom alongside Pierre Engvall to make roster space for the anticipated activation of Mat Barzal from long-term injured reserve ahead of their game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Wahlstrom's time with the Islanders had been tumultuous, starting from his first-round selection in the 2018 NHL Draft. Despite being viewed as a promising talent, his progress stagnated, particularly after suffering an ACL tear in late 2022. During his last season, he struggled with consistency, managing only four points over 27 games, a stark contrast to the expectations placed upon a first-round pick. His relationship with the coaching staff, particularly under head coach Lane Lambert, deteriorated, leading to him frequently being scratched from the lineup, suggesting a significant drop in his standing with the team. The decision to waive Wahlstrom followed a challenging stretch for the Islanders, as roster adjustments became necessary amid injury recoveries. With Barzal set to return, the management chose to clear space by waiving players, a move indicative of the competitive nature of managing NHL rosters. Wahlstrom’s release by the Islanders was not just a result of fitness issues and performance dips, but also part of broader team adjustments aimed at maximizing their competitive edge as they enter pivotal moments in the season. For Wahlstrom, the claim by the Bruins represents an opportunity to revitalize his career in familiar territory. The Boston native has a chance to rebuild his performance away from the pressures that had begun to mount during his time with the Islanders. While his past is marked by missed opportunities and injuries, his future remains open under a new regime. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Wahlstrom adapts and whether he can reclaim the potential that once marked him as a top prospect in the league.