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Former 10th Overall Pick Could be Biggest Waiver Add of The Year for the Blackhawks

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Joshua Deeds
December 13, 2024 (5:42 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have been anemic offensively and could find some depth talent in two New York Islanders forwards who have been put on waivers today.

Former 10th Overall pick Oliver Wahlstrom, and depth forward Pierre Engvall were placed on waivers today by Lou Lamiorello, and the New York Islanders.

Unfortunately, it appears that both forward's time on Long Island has run out, and the Blackhawks could be in a position to buy low and sell high on both players.

Wahlstrom has struggled with the Islanders the past few years and has failed to live up to his draft position. He's played 27 games for the Islanders and scored only 4 points( 2 G, 2 A) this season. A verifiable sign that he could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.

While Lou Lamiorello is dumping the salary of Pierre Engvall, and is another depth forward who plays with some bite. Yet he hasn't been able to stay in the NHL as a regular since he worked his way back up to New York from Bridgeport after October. This season Engvall has played 20 games, and only scored 6 points( 3 G, 3 A).

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Both player's salaries will be buried in the AHL, as Wahlstrom and Engvall could clear waivers.

Wahlstrom still has some potential upside the Blackhawks could take advantage of at 24. He's Could Anders Sorensen find a way to get Wahlstrom to produce like he did in 2021-2022, where he scored 24 points(13 G, 11A).

He has an elite shot, but we don't see it nearly enough for it to make a consistent impact. He was recently given ice time on the Isles' beleaguered power play but failed to produce. Head Coach Patrick Roy said on Wednesday that playing on the power play is a privilege, and Wahlstrom has been stripped of that privilege heading into tonight's game against the Boston Bruins at UBS Arena to close out a three-game homestand.

Engvall could add some legitimate depth to the bottom six and can be a reliable forechecker instead of a goal-scorer for the Hawks.

The seventh-round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft has battled his way into the league thanks to his skating ability and size (6'5»), both of which he uses well on the forecheck. Has a good shot but lacks the finishing skills of a true scorer, so he is more of a role player who can kill penalties and be used as a checking forward. Can play all three forward positions.

This could allow more flexibility in the lineup for the Hawks, along with the fact that both players have an affordable salary cap hit.

Engvall's contract is a 7-year, $3 Million AAV deal and could easily fit under the Blackhawks' current cap space of $5.8 Million.

Should GM Kyle Davidson claim both Islanders forwards?

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Frank Nazar's Arrival to Chicago Comes With Sacrifice of a Veteran Removed From Lineup

Detroit Red Wings Fans Pledge For Patrick Kane To Be Benched After Recent Showing

Chicago Blackhawks Make Move Official With Top Prospect Frank Nazar

POLL
DECEMBRE 13 \| 114 ANSWERS Former 10th Overall Pick Could be Biggest Waiver Add of The Year for the Blackhawks Should GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks add forwards Pierre Engvall, and Oliver Wahlstrom who were placed on waivers by the New York Islanders?
Yes	57	50 %
No	57	50 %
List of polls

Former 10th Overall Pick Could be Biggest Waiver Add of The Year for the Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have been anemic offensively and could find some depth talent in two New York Islanders forwards who have been put on waivers today.

Should GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks add forwards Pierre Engvall, and Oliver Wahlstrom who were placed on waivers by the New York Islanders?