The Sharks have signed former first-round pick Oliver Wahlstrom to a Professional tryout. This will allow Wahlstrom to attend the Sharks camp, and if he impresses, potentially land an NHL contract with the Sharks or another team. Additionally, the Sharks have signed Wahlstrom to an AHL contract, which would allow him to play for the Barracuda this season if he fails to earn an NHL deal.
Back in 2018, Oliver Wahlstrom was a highly touted prospect known for his lethal shot and goal-scoring ability. He scored 70 goals over 88 games between the NTDP and the USHL and added seven goals in 7 games at the U-18s that year for the US. An impressive season that led him to being drafted 11th overall by the New York Islanders.
Unfortunately, things have not translated to pro hockey for Wahlstrom at the highest level. Wahlstrom has recorded just 73 points in 236 games, while failing to round out his game and earn his coaches' trust to play consistent minutes. The Islanders waived him last season, and he was claimed by the Bruins, where he scored 2 points in 16 games. He did, however, have a decent stint in their AHL affiliate in Providence, scoring 15 points and nine goals in 19 games.
This is likely where Wahlstrom can help the Sharks. The Barracuda lost a talented goal scorer in Danil Gushchin this past offseason, and Wahlstrom should be capable of filling the void in the minors for the Sharks. The AHL deal being signed already also shows that Wahlstrom has an interest in this route, should he not crack the Sharks roster. Given that the Sharks are already pushing the contract limit, without counting Misa and Dickinson’s deals, it seems unlikely the Sharks would be able to fit Wahlstrom on the books even if he had a strong camp.