For now, at least, Oliver Wahlstrom will remain with the Islanders.
According to Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman, the former first-round draft pick re-signed on a one-year, $1 million deal ahead of his scheduled arbitration hearing.
But it would still be a surprise if the 24-year-old Wahlstrom were on the Opening Day roster.
The deal put the Islanders under the salary cap by 10 percent through the start of the season, and coach Lou Lamoriello acknowledged the team was exploring the draft for a trade partner.
The Wahlstrom deal opens up options for the Islanders, who have publicly stated they don’t want to lose a forward for nothing.
If he’s still with the Islanders in training camp, the team could present him as a trade candidate during the preseason, while leaving open the (slight) possibility that he could make the roster if he has a strong showing in camp.
If neither of those options materialize, a move to Weber or the AHL seems more likely.
Wahlstrom recorded just two goals and four assists in 32 regular season games last season.
