Oliver Wahlstrom

Oliver Joakim Wahlstrom (born June 13, 2000) is an American professional ice hockey right winger who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was selected by the New York Islanders, 11th overall, in the 2018 NHL entry draft.

Playing career Wahlstrom played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons, where he served as an alternate captain for the under-18 team in his final season. He originally committed to play for the University of Maine when he was just 13 years old, becoming the first player born in the 2000s to commit to play college ice hockey, as well as the youngest player ever to commit to play college ice hockey, before switching his commitment to Harvard University for the 2018–19 season, and finally to Boston College.

In the 2018–19 season, Wahlstrom recorded 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points as a freshman in 36 games. At the conclusion of the Eagles' season, Wahlstrom concluded his collegiate career by agreeing to a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders on March 28, 2019.

Wahlstrom made his NHL debut on October 14, 2019, against the St. Louis Blues.

On August 31, 2020, Wahlstrom was loaned by the Islanders to AIK of the Swedish HockeyAllsvenskan to start the 2020–21 season. He returned from his loan spell on December 14.

Wahlstrom scored his first NHL goal on January 28, 2021, in the Islanders' 6–3 loss to the Washington Capitals. His first multi-point game occurred on February 28, 2021, with a goal and an assist in a 2–0 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Wahlstrom's first NHL playoff goal came on May 22, 2021, on the power play, at Nassau Coliseum in a 4–1 win against the Penguins.

On July 25, 2024, Wahlstrom signed a one-year contract extension with the Islanders to avoid salary arbitration. In his sixth season in New York in , Wahlstrom registered just 2 goals and 4 points through 27 appearances before he was placed on waivers by the Islanders. On December 14, 2024, Wahlstrom was claimed off waivers by the Boston Bruins. Wahlstrom made 16 appearances with the Bruins, posting 2 points, before he was reassigned and played out the remainder of his contract in the AHL with affiliate, the Providence Bruins.

As a free agent from the Bruins, Wahlstrom remained un-signed over the summer until he was signed to a one-year AHL contract with the San Jose Barracuda, affiliate to the San Jose Sharks, for the 2025–26 season on September 16, 2025.

Personal life Wahlstrom grew up in Cumberland, Maine. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Sweden through his father, Joakim Wahlstrom. His father played at the University of Maine before playing professionally in Sweden. His mother, Penny Wahlstrom, also an athlete, lives in Maine. He has one sister, Alexandra, who was born in Sweden. Wahlstrom scored a highlight goal at age nine during a shootout contest before a Boston Bruins game in 2009.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2016 United States U17 5th 5 0 1 1 4 2017 United States U18 7 4 1 5 16 2018 United States U18 7 7 2 9 4 2019 United States WJC 7 2 2 4 2 2020 United States WJC 6th 5 1 4 5 31Junior totals 31 14 10 24 57