Some Islanders players, like Casey Cizikas, Mike Reilly, and Semyon Varlamov (to name just a few) received golden opportunities from Patrick Roy and really benefited from the arrival of the former #33 behind the bench.
Most Islanders players absolutely want to stay there and have really loved the Patrick Roy experience, but there are a few exceptions.
There is indeed a promising young forward from the Islanders who would have hoped to get his chance with a new head coach, who would have hoped to blossom with the coaching change in New York, but that really wasn't the case.
We are talking here about the young Oliver Wahlstrom.
In a press conference for his season review, Wahlstrom did not seem like a young man who wanted to return at all costs with Patrick Roy and the Isles next year.
He seems quite ready for a new start, elsewhere.
He will be an interesting name to watch this summer:
In short, don't be surprised if he is not qualified by the Islanders this summer and if he becomes free as a bird.
Wahlstrom, 23 years old, 11th overall pick in 2018 (First round), is a big winger at 6 feet 2 inches and 200 pounds.
He has collected 6 points in 32 games this season, and 67 points in 193 career NHL games (34 goals).
Case to follow.
POLL | ||
4 MAI | 494 ANSWERS A 1st young player could turn his back on Patrick Roy and the Iles Would you trade a 4th round pick for Oliver Wahlstrom? | ||
Yes | 273 | 55.3 % |
No | 221 | 44.7 % |
List of polls |