New York Islanders fans know the team needs more offense and one player on the current roster who can help supply that next season is forward Oliver Wahlstrom. But where should the Islanders play Wahlstrom to maximize his potential and help the team the most? We analyze some interesting possibilities on today’s show.
We also look at Matt Martin’s season, whether he lived up to expectations and what his role is likely to be on the Isles in 2023-24.
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Birddogs
Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnhl and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNHL, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.
Athletic Greens
To make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/NHLNETWORK
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase.
ebay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
Built Bar
Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.
FanDuel
Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOIslanders?sid=YouTube
Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL
And follow the show and Gil Martin on Twitter where he’ll share the latest news on your New York Islanders and will talk with fans like you.
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIsles
and https://twitter.com/icewarsnyrvsnyi
#Islanders #NYIslanders #NHL
18 Comments
Hey Gil, I was wondering what you would think about the islanders bringing in Luke schenn from Toronto
With 3year ELC's these kids don't have time to overmarinate in the A….Wally should be on the 3rd line with either JPG or Casey, Fasching
Bring Zack back puthim with Bo and Barzal…keep Engvall with Nelly and Kyle…fix the powerplay
Dump Clutter and let Wahlstrom establish his game on the 4th line. Martin and Cizikas will make sure he becomes defensively responsible. Only then try him on the top line.
With the cap situation, we'll need more than Wahlstrom. Holmstrom, Dobson and Romanov need to make a big jump next year for this team to compete with the rest of the division…and the league. If Holmstrom doesn't pick it up, send him down for more development.
Hey Gil, do you view/listen to any other islanders content? I think you should join the Islanders Never Say Die podcast for an episode
I would try Lee with Casey and Wally….3rd line….move on from MM and Cal…they can be assts. with B'port.
Good morning team. Gil, I love Oliver Wahlstrom. I think he is the kind of player, if healthy, causes lots of problem for opposing teams. Having him on the ice means opposing teams have to account for him, opening up ice for others. Looking forward to seeing him next season. Thank you for another great show. Everyone have a great day. Until tomorrow.. Let's Go Islanders!!
I think JGP, Parisi and Wally would make a very good line, the ethic and speed of JGP and Parisi will be a learning experience for Wally and Parisi likes to go to the net, Wally and JGP like to shoot. Fashing to replace Clutter on the 4th line with MM and CC. The overall problem with the isles besides lack of speed is they don’t shoot the puck, especially Barzy, he figure skates and holds onto the puck too long, if they don’t break him of that, seasons done.
I think Wally will rise to the occasion if used with the right line mates. I cannot agree with you more about Wally working with Barzy. Barzy sets things up Wally, takes the shot, Bo or Zach pick up the rebounds and do the dirty work. This can be done on the rush or low to high with the D working to keep the puck in the zone. Looking at what highlight footage I can find Wally works very well with JGP, Nelly, and Barzy. I really think line chemistry and skill mix considerations will be a big part of whether we are successful or not. It sounds obvious but working hard in the off-season to really develop a sense of how everybody works together best, and then sticking to it as part of a well prepared system for the season will be needed for our challenged team to compete in the "new" NHL. Of course adjustment as necessary are inevitable but a solid foundation is the key. I am looking forward to seeing how ( and who) the teams works in the off-season to maximise our chances for success next year.
The answer is nowhere. Wahlstrom can't play on top lines because he is too slow and flawed and not the big scorer isles fans hope he is. And he isn't d solid to put on third line or fast enough to put on a checking line. He just doesn't think the game to be effective in other roles. So in short wahlstrom in an enigma isles are stuck with. Can't play him regularly on top lines. Only use is on the pp where he can use that shot from the circle to score. Wahlstrom doesn't even have any trade value. The best thing to do with wahlstrom is use him in a trade and give him a new start where he can be a complimentary scorer on a better offensive team.Yes i know wahlstrom missed half the season but was struggling again going thru long goal scoring droughts once agaim And wahlstrom isn't exactly a playmaker as well and still hasn't scored more than 12 goals. How much longer are you gonna waiton whalstrom lou?
Saturday after Thanksgiving they played Philly at UBS. Wally mixed it up with Deslauriers, after getting him down, Deslauriers tried getting up a few times. Wally did not allow it, pushing him back down numerous times. I did not expect to see that. Great to see he can handle himself, but I don't think gooning it up will be best for him or the team. A big step in develpment is expected, more goals.
Hi Gil, I’m really enjoying these topics! Whally? I simply like his attitude—wants to become a pure power forward and more physical. I’m sure he will continue his MMA training all the same. He’s so young and so much potential. Considering his great attitude and potential, he deserves a shot with Bo and Barzie. He actually could become Barzie’s cop. If we don’t get another scoring forward, I totally agree, I’ll try him their to begin the season. Yet, I agree Gil, he could very well be the missing piece! Ps Gil—Bailey? Maybe Chicago would be interested as a mentor for Bedard? Otherwise, we have not been able to get a bag of pucks for Bailey. I do feel bad, he’s been a loyal Islander and he will be remembered regardless but his age, his salary and lack of production makes him absolutely useless! He’a a good guy, seems like a family man and I hope he saved his money. If Hawks won’t take him—-have to buy him out—-no other option. We should spare him the shame if riding the pine—I do feel he deserves better than that for his long tenure. Take care Gil-heck of a show!
What bothers me is that we have five centers on this team. The answer can't be to move Barzal to the wing. Barzal is a center. They need to move Pagua, Nelson otherwise Barzal will never reach his full potential. Whalstrom needs to step up this year and take the Huggies off. I think he can produce good numbers if given the opportunity.
I agree Barzal seems off at wing… and correct me if wrong, but it sounds like there are no major changes in the works, leaving the team with the same general line up that lost in 2020…21 where i believe this team peaked….they remind me of a 20 min old serving of french toast…still decent with butter and syrup…… but not hot like it should be!………..STALE is the better analogy.
We can only hope Wally becomes a player. The Isles sure could use a surge from within
Bad system when the defense is expected to be offensive and the offense is expected to defensive 🙃
Remember in finals against Tampa?sat Wally and played uncle Leo on 1st line to lose 1-0!
I'd put Wally on 13's wing with Dibrincat👍! Nelson would be going to Ott. Drop Horvat to 2C with Palms and someone other than Engvall!