A new proposal trade between Habs and Islanders is advanced
The internet user Marc-Olivier Beaudoin has put forward a hypothesis that wouldn't cost the Canadiens much but could pay off in the long term.
As he often does, Beaudoin presented a fictional trade offer involving three elements between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders.
The proposal has the merit of being concrete and feasible under the circumstances.
During the summer break, several big-name free agents and established players have been linked to the organization led by Martin St-Louis. Think of players like Martin Necas, Trevor Zegras, Kent Johnson, Patrik Laine, and others.
While these names suggest significant compensation for Kent Hughes, Beaudoin's proposed trade is much more affordable and realistic under the circumstances.
Oliver Wahlstrom traded to the Montreal Canadiens?
Selected 11th overall in the 2019 draft, Oliver Wahlstrom is 24 years old. His potential is very interesting, and he possesses offensive assets that could be very useful to the Canadiens.
After some interesting stints with the New York Islanders, he seems to have difficulty staying in the team's top-6 or top-9. His offensive production is inconsistent, but we know he can score goals regularly if well surrounded.
Could he be an interesting project for Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis?
Analyst Marc-Olivier Beaudoin seems to think so.
Of these three elements, I would prioritize the second or third-round draft pick. Considering that the Canadiens have a bank of picks and several quality prospects, I don't think I'd be willing to sacrifice a prospect like Oliver Kapanen or Adam Engstrom for Wahlstrom.
Wahlstrom, standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 200 pounds, has amassed 67 points (34 goals) in 193 NHL games. Some have compared him to Patrik Laine due to his scoring abilities. However, he has never reached the 15-goal mark in a single season. We're far from the 40-goal mark Laine once hit in his career.
If it's confirmed that he is under contract for an annual salary of less than a million dollars and the price to acquire him through a trade is a second-round pick, would you be comfortable paying that price for the Swede?
Marc-Olivier Beaudoin signs. By his own admission, he acknowledges that Wahlstrom could be an interesting project «à la Alex Newhook.»
We're talking about a low-cost, high-potential trade here! It's the kind of transaction that marks winning teams. Just think of Alex Newhook. For now, the Canadiens have acquired a player who plays in their top-6 with a potential of 20 goals and 50 points in 2024-2025.
It's becoming increasingly likely that Lou Lamoriello might be interested in sacrificing Oliver Wahlstrom for a second or third-round pick. He no longer seems to be part of the plans on Long Island.
| POLL | ||
Would you accept a 2025 second round pick for Oliver Wahlstrom? | ||
| Yes | 145 | 66.5 % |
| No | 73 | 33.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
