3 Players The Chicago Blackhawks Should Acquire Who Need Change of Scenery

Oliver Wahlstrom

Once known for a viral video of a shootout goal he scored as a kid, Wahlstrom looked like a home-run selection for the Islanders at the 2018 NHL Draft. After 22 goals and 45 points in 26 games with the US National Under-18 Team in his draft year, the Islanders took the skilled winger with the 11th overall pick.

Wahlstrom is yet another winger on this list who brings size to his game, coming in at 6'2 200lbs. His offensive potential has been apparent ever since being drafted, but he has yet to put it all together at the NHL level. His most productive season in the NHL came as a rookie in the 2020-2021 season, where Wahlstrom totaled 21 points in 44 games, a nearly 40-point (per 82) pace.

However, Wahlstrom has not taken that next step since his rookie year, though he has not had the best luck with injuries. In an injury-riddled 2022-23 season, Oliver Wahlstrom had 16 points in 35 games, which was his best pace per 82 games since his rookie year. However, his production has hit a wall this season with 6 points in 31 games, finding himself as a healthy scratch often. It has been reported recently that the Islanders have made Wahlstrom available ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline.

Wahlstrom's ice time throughout his career has been around 12 minutes a game, but has seen that drop down to 10:53 minutes this season. The Islanders have also not been known to play a high-flying offensive style in recent years, which has not given Wahlstrom the chance to flourish as a potential goal-scorer. This is why a change of scenery could be beneficial for the winger. At 23 years-old, he likely won't become a star player, but could possibly become a middle-six player if given the proper role he needs to succeed.

Acquiring a player like Wahlstrom probably will not cost the Blackhawks that much, which will be a low-risk type of trade. If he can stay healthy, there is still a potential secondary scorer waiting to break-out in a larger role.

Just remember Hawks fans, once upon a time Patrick Sharp was acquired as a young player being given a change of scenery.