The Boston Bruins are taking another chance on Oliver Wahlstrom, placing the former first-round pick on waivers just months after claiming him.
It’s been a tough season for the 24-year-old forward, who’s managed just two points in 16 games with Boston.
This isn’t Wahlstrom’s first time on the waiver wire this year. The New York Islanders, who drafted him 11th overall in 2018, already cut him loose once before the Bruins picked him up in December.
Between both teams, his numbers tell a pretty rough story: three goals and six points in 43 games.
Now the hockey world’s wondering if someone else might take a chance on him – and the Toronto Maple Leafs could be an interesting fit.
Wahlstrom’s got some things going for him. He’s still young, and his shot is one of the best parts of his game when he’s on. Plus, he’s not afraid to get physical out there.
The Leafs could really use some scoring punch in their bottom six forwards, which is exactly what Wahlstrom was supposed to bring to the table.
But here’s the thing – being waived twice in one season isn’t exactly a great look for a former first-round pick.
His biggest problem? That great shot everyone talks about hasn’t been finding the net. Without scoring goals, he’s pretty much just another guy out there. He’s okay at passing and defense, but nothing special.
Making things worse, he’s not the fastest skater to begin with, and injuries have slowed him down even more.
The numbers really tell the story. After scoring 13 and 12 goals in his first two full seasons, he’s only managed 12 goals total in the last three years combined.
Toronto needs someone who can consistently put the puck in the net from their bottom six. Wahlstrom might look good on paper, but he’s starting to look more like potential that never quite worked out.
The question now is whether any team thinks they can finally unlock what made him a first-round pick in the first place.
