At least for now, Oliver Wahlstrom is staying an Islander.
The former first-round pick re-signed ahead of a scheduled arbitration hearing at one year for $1 million, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
It would still be a surprise, however, if Wahlstrom, 24, is on the opening night roster.
With the signing, the Islanders are over the salary cap — which they are allowed to be by 10 percent until opening night — and Lou Lamoriello acknowledged that the team was looking for trade partners at the draft.
Signing Wahlstrom now keeps options open for the Islanders, who have been open about not wanting to lose the forward for nothing.
If he’s still an Islander at training camp, they can showcase him in the preseason for a potential trade while keeping the (slim) possibility of his being on the roster open, should he put together a strong camp.
Should neither of those possibilities come to fruition, waivers or an AHL assignment would appear likely.
Wahlstrom had just two goals and four assists in 32 regular-season games last season.