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NHL mock draft: Final projections for every first-round pick

By Derek Grochowski

BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 5: Rasmus Dahlin #8 of Sweden in play against Canada during the Gold medal game of the IIHF World Junior Championship at KeyBank Center on January 5, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Canada beat Sweden 3-1. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 5: Rasmus Dahlin #8 of Sweden in play against Canada during the Gold medal game of the IIHF World Junior Championship at KeyBank Center on January 5, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Canada beat Sweden 3-1. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /
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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Oliver Wahlstrom #18 of the USA Nationals celebrates a third period against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. The USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Oliver Wahlstrom #18 of the USA Nationals celebrates a third period against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. The USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

11. New York Islanders – C Oliver Wahlstrom

The New York Islanders accomplished the rare feat of having back-to-back first-round picks. It comes at a time in the draft where there is likely to be a run on forwards. The top of the draft and the bottom of the draft are filled with talented defenseman but the bulk of the forwards have mid-round talent. That is not to say the forwards are not good, but some of the defenseman have potential to be great. The future of John Tavares still is not perfectly clear but if he stays the same can be said with Brock Nelson. The Islanders could be looking for a center and Oliver Wahlstrom fits the billing.

Oliver Wahlstrom challenges Jesperi Kotkaniemi for the most offensively gifted center in the draft. He has so much creativity and skill with the puck it is amazing. Wahlstrom is more than just some dekes and flashy highlight videos. He possesses one of the most lethal shots in the draft. Pair that with his high level skating ability and he is an explosive offensive prospect. He can think plays seemingly three passes ahead. His talents have some people thinking he can even turn into a top five pick in the draft. That is unlikely with the defensemen available in the draft but that is no knock on Wahlstrom.

Even though he is listed at center, some question whether he is more effective as a winger or a center. Being a center would make him more valuable to the Islanders organization. Quality centers are hard to come by and not acquired easily. Being able to add Wahlstrom to the lineup would give them a solid compliment to Mathew Barzal. Two offensively talented centers would make the Islanders a top threat in the future. There are a lot of other pieces needed, but they can cross off a big need with adding Wahlstrom.

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