Pretty good stuff on Trotz and Wahlstrom in the Athletic.

What’s going on with Trotz and Wahlstrom?

No player is a bigger topic of conversation on Islanders social media these days than Wahlstrom. That’s not surprising. First-round selections tend to get overvalued by fans, who see flashes of brilliance and believe the player should immediately be given big minutes in key situations.

That’s not usually how it works. Player development is rarely linear. Often, young players have to learn hard lessons on their way to becoming solid NHL regulars. Only a select few don’t have growing pains along the way.

Based on Wahlstrom’s recent benching followed by a healthy scratch, as well as Trotz’s public comments about the winger, it seems evident the coach is going to be hard on Wahlstrom. Trotz mentioned after Sunday’s loss to the Wild, during which Wahlstrom scored on the power play, that “obviously he scored the goal, diving in, but that goal was created by a shot and net traffic and a loose puck.”

After Tuesday’s game, in which Wahlstrom scored again and was part of the Islanders’ most effective line with Pageau and Parise, Trotz gave Wahlstrom credit for “going to the hard areas and shooting the puck” but also said there were still “some things in (Wahlstrom’s) game” he didn’t like.

“There’s times when he doesn’t feel pressure around him, especially when you’ve got to manage the puck,” Trotz said.

Is Trotz being too tough on Wahlstrom? Probably not. For starters, veteran coaches such as Trotz aren’t hard on players unless they believe there is the potential for more. Trotz has been down this road before, particularly in Washington with players such as Jakub Vrana and Andre Burakovsky. Both eventually found their way to becoming productive NHL players despite that tough love from their coach, who surely deserves some of the credit.

If Wahlstrom does all the little things Trotz is looking for, he’ll earn his trust — and a bigger stake in the team. Though that might not be happening quickly enough for the fan base — and that’s somewhat understandable, as the Islanders have lacked a dangerous offense in many games this season and Wahlstrom is second on the team in goals per 60 minutes — Trotz’s approach could pay dividends in the long run. It will be compelling to see how this plays out in the second half, but I’d reserve judgment for at least a few more weeks. We’re still talking about a player who is just 21 years old.

Of course, as soon as they waive Czarnik!!
- Isleshockeyman

Waived and… lost.

Kraken claim Czarnik.

Waived and… lost.

Kraken claim Czarnik.
- Wildschwein

Waive goodbye to Austin

Pretty good stuff on Trotz and Wahlstrom in the Athletic.

What’s going on with Trotz and Wahlstrom?

No player is a bigger topic of conversation on Islanders social media these days than Wahlstrom. That’s not surprising. First-round selections tend to get overvalued by fans, who see flashes of brilliance and believe the player should immediately be given big minutes in key situations.

That’s not usually how it works. Player development is rarely linear. Often, young players have to learn hard lessons on their way to becoming solid NHL regulars. Only a select few don’t have growing pains along the way.

Based on Wahlstrom’s recent benching followed by a healthy scratch, as well as Trotz’s public comments about the winger, it seems evident the coach is going to be hard on Wahlstrom. Trotz mentioned after Sunday’s loss to the Wild, during which Wahlstrom scored on the power play, that “obviously he scored the goal, diving in, but that goal was created by a shot and net traffic and a loose puck.”

After Tuesday’s game, in which Wahlstrom scored again and was part of the Islanders’ most effective line with Pageau and Parise, Trotz gave Wahlstrom credit for “going to the hard areas and shooting the puck” but also said there were still “some things in (Wahlstrom’s) game” he didn’t like.

“There’s times when he doesn’t feel pressure around him, especially when you’ve got to manage the puck,” Trotz said.

Is Trotz being too tough on Wahlstrom? Probably not. For starters, veteran coaches such as Trotz aren’t hard on players unless they believe there is the potential for more. Trotz has been down this road before, particularly in Washington with players such as Jakub Vrana and Andre Burakovsky. Both eventually found their way to becoming productive NHL players despite that tough love from their coach, who surely deserves some of the credit.

If Wahlstrom does all the little things Trotz is looking for, he’ll earn his trust — and a bigger stake in the team. Though that might not be happening quickly enough for the fan base — and that’s somewhat understandable, as the Islanders have lacked a dangerous offense in many games this season and Wahlstrom is second on the team in goals per 60 minutes — Trotz’s approach could pay dividends in the long run. It will be compelling to see how this plays out in the second half, but I’d reserve judgment for at least a few more weeks. We’re still talking about a player who is just 21 years old.
- nyisles7

Good stuff indeed.

Love the mention of Vrana. He’s exactly the sort of player I’m hoping Wahlstrom will become.

Waive goodbye to Austin
- eichiefs9

Waive goodbye to Austin
- eichiefs9

Maybe we should stink for one more year

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1490476050932973570

- Isleshockeyman

Maybe we should stink for one more year

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1490476050932973570
- eichiefs9

And the scary thing is, he might be the second best player in his draft class.

- eichiefs9

I fully expect them not to take that opportunity unless forced due to injury/Covid.
- Cptmjl

We'll see!

We'll see!
- UIF

You know I’m right

Good stuff indeed.

Love the mention of Vrana. He’s exactly the sort of player I’m hoping Wahlstrom will become.
- Wildschwein