Former 11th Overall Pick Officially Placed on Waivers: Should The Toronto Maple Leafs Claim Him?
Could the Toronto Maple Leafs claim a former first round pick who's been placed on waivers?
The Boston Bruins have placed 2018 first round pick Oliver Wahlstrom on waivers. Wahlstrom, 24, has played in 16 games this season for the Bruins, with two points.
This is Wahlstrom's second time being placed on waivers.
He was waived earlier in the season by the New York Islanders, who drafted him 11th overall in 2018, and where he played his first six seasons, before being claimed by Boston in December.
Wahlstrom has three goals and six points in 43 games played this season between the Islanders and Bruins.
Could Oliver Wahlstrom be claimed off waivers again? And could the Toronto Maple Leafs be that team?
The Pros And Cons Of The Toronto Maple Leafs Claiming Oliver Wahlstrom
Does Oliver Wahlstrom's game fit what the Toronto Maple Leafs need in a player?
The Pros
Oliver Wahlstrom is still a young player at 24-years-old, and despite just three goals this season, has a high-end shot with solid accuracy.
Bottom-six goal scoring is a major weakness for the Leafs, who could use a player like Wahlstrom if he was doing so more consistently.
He's also somewhat engaged physically. He's not a dominant defensive player but has a solid compete level to at least play on a team's fourth line.
Cons
Sadly for Wahlstrom, there are lot more questions with his game vs. positives.
Already placed on waivers once, being waived twice in the same season becomes a question of how much NHL value Wahlstrom has.
While he does a great shot, he hasn't shown it in terms of goal scoring, and without his finishing skill, he provides little in terms of his game.
An average playmaker and defensive player, Wahlstrom is replacement level at both.
As well, Wahlstrom is an average skater who has had even more struggles with his mobility due to injuries that have made it even quicker to gain much speed in his game.
Wahlstrom is a one-dimensional player who's one strong tool has struggled to appear at a level this season.
In his first two full seasons, Wahlstrom had 13 and 12 goals respectively. In his last three seasons, he has just 12 combined, and his shot is a strength.
The Toronto Maple Leafs do need a forward in their bottom six who can score and be a consistent option for the team.
While Wahlstrom in theory could be that player, it's a question if he can put his talent to real use.
