It’s a prove-it deal for Oliver Wahlstrom.
The winger and restricted free agent signed a one-year deal to stay with the Islanders, the team announced Monday.
That sets up a year-long referendum on Wahlstrom’s future with the club after he played just 35 games last season due to a torn ACL.
Wahlstrom, 23, scored seven goals with nine assists before getting hurt in December.
A former first-round pick, he has always shown tantalizing offensive potential.
But under Barry Trotz, Wahlstrom could never get consistent playing time.
And when he started to show a more well-rounded version of his game last season, the scoring was not quite there.
Then he got hurt, in conjunction with Hudson Fasching and Simon Holmstrom becoming lineup regulars.
Where Wahlstrom fits into the lineup now could depend on whether or not Zach Parise returns.
If Parise does decide to play another season, the Islanders might spend training camp trying to figure out the answer.
