Throughout his Islanders tenure, the forward has struggled to consistently produce. Last season, he only played an average of 11:02, scoring two goals with four assists in 32 games.
He played just 10 games after Patrick Roy took over behind the bench on Jan. 21.
Wahlstrom's development has remained stagnant under three different head coaches. Parlaying the growth struggles with an ACL injury has been tough for the 2018 first-round pick.
The Maine native is a restricted free agent for the second time in as many summers and has been extended a qualifying offer from the Islanders.
However, when we spoke with Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas, he said they wouldn’t give Wahlstrom away for free but would explore getting him an opportunity elsewhere.
Given Wahlstrom’s role as an extra forward and his cap hit if he signs his QO ($917,831), the Islanders wouldn’t have a spot for him anyway.
With just $900,000 in cap space after signing Anthony Duclair and Mike Reilly , the Islanders can only fit one of their RFAs, with Simon Holmstrom and his $874,125 QO the likely winner.
It’s clearly time for a chance of scenery for Wahlstrom, and there’s another young forward in the NHL who may benefit from joining a new team.
Nick Robertson, a 22-year-old restricted free agent for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is unhappy with his role.
Robertson, a left-shot who can play both wing positions – brother of Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson – scored 14 goals with 13 assists for 27 points in 56 games last season before going pointless in six playoff games.
Similar to Wahlstrom, Robertson has played minutes largely in the bottom six, averaging 11:22 of ice time per game.
According to a report from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, Robertson requested a trade from the Maple Leafs and “has no plans to re-sign.”
Leafs general manager Brad Treliving responded by saying, “We look at Nick as an excellent player, and there’s a great opportunity for Nick here, and we need him to be a good player for us.” (H/t Luke Fox )
It sounds like the Leafs value Robertson more than the Islanders value Wahlstrom. But given the Leafs' lineup, there's no place for Robertson to grow.
Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
This isn't to say that Pierre Engvall is a clear-cut second-liner in the NHL, but he never got the opportunity to prove his value with the Leafs, as he was sheltered on the third line.
Robertson is in that boat.
The Pasadena, California native has dealt with injury adversity throughout his time in Toronto. The young forward’s ailments have included an injured knee, a broken leg, and an injured shoulder.
These injuries, in combination with a perennially deep Maple Leafs roster, have made it exceedingly difficult for Robertson to keep a roster spot.
Why would a Wahlstrom-for-Robertson swap benefit the Islanders?
Robertson has shown he can produce in limited minutes; if Robertson stays healthy, he can round out as a middle-six offensive winger.
The Islanders are always looking for more offense, and Robertson could provide some for pennies on the dollar.
Additionally, the two forwards’ cap hits are virtually identical, so no extra money would be taken on. The Islanders would face little to no cost, even if Robertson doesn’t pan out.
However, Wahlstrom doesn't fit Toronto's needs, so it would be interesting to see what more the Leafs would want to make a deal like this work.
As mentioned, the Islanders only have room for one of their RFAs unless they make cap-clearing moves as the summer progresses.
Could Robertson take Hudson Fasching’s spot?
Fasching, who earned a two-year extension after bursting onto the scene in 2022-23, did not bring the same game to the ice in 2023-24.
He has one year remaining with a cap hit of $775,000.
If the Islanders needed to create a roster spot and clear the necessary cap to sign Robertson to his $813,750 QO (arbitration-eligible), they could certainly go that route with Fasching.
Robertson provides young speed that could be a strong fit alongside Kyle MacLean and Casey Cizikas on what is expected to be a new-look fourth line.
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