The Boston Bruins have been highly active this offseason. They traded Linus Ullmark and spent a franchise-record $92 million in free agency on nine players, including notable signings like Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to strengthen their central and defensive positions.
Despite these moves by general manager Don Sweeney, the Bruins still need to extend restricted free agent goalie Jeremy Swayman and add another goal scorer. Though several capable goal scorers were available, the Bruins prioritized their defense due to limited funds and other roster gaps.
Sweeney emphasized the importance of a strong defense on July 1, saying, “The depth of our defense is the strength of our hockey club, and I wanted to make sure we had those foundational pieces in place. I think this group, as a whole, we can tease a little more offense out of it.”
This season, the Bruins are adopting an offense-by-committee approach. Only David Pastrnak scored over 30 goals last season, and while he’s a top contender for the Rocket Richard Trophy, the Bruins need more scoring depth for a deep playoff run.
They hope prospects like Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov will step up, but these players are still unproven. Most prime free agents have already signed elsewhere, leaving few options. However, the Bruins might trade for Oliver Wahlstrom, a New York Islanders player and New England native known for his scoring ability.
Do you remember Oliver Wahlstrom's legendary lacrosse-style shootout goal during @TDBank_US Mini 1-on-1? pic.twitter.com/Ey2zACcYCn
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 11, 2018
Drafted 11th overall in 2018 by the Islanders, Wahlstrom has struggled with inconsistency and limited playing time. In 193 career games, he has 67 points (33 goals, 34 assists). Last season, he played only 32 games, scoring two goals and four assists while recovering from a lower-body injury.
Oliver Wahlstrom. Bullet. The Islanders win?? pic.twitter.com/zLVry2TOc2
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) November 19, 2023
Wahlstrom, 24, is currently a restricted free agent with an arbitration hearing on Aug. 1. The Islanders, tight against the salary cap, may need to trade him, and the Bruins could acquire him for a low draft pick. While the Bruins also have cap concerns, needing $8.64 million to sign Swayman, they can make adjustments during training camp.
Trading for Wahlstrom would be a low-risk, high-reward move. Even if he doesn’t make the team, his presence in training camp could push other forwards. If successful, the Bruins would gain a player with an elite-quality shot on a bargain contract. Although not the Bruins’ first choice, this option is as viable as any given their current roster situation.
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