This will be the first time that Oliver Wahlstrom will be playing in the NCAA, since the last few years he was playing in the USHL and USDP. He was drafted by the Islanders 11th overall in this year’s draft in Dallas.
Since Wahlstrom had committed to Boston College when drafted, it was assumed he would play there for the full 2018–19 season. It was confirmed yesterday that Wahlstrom would not be attending training camp, so he will play his freshman year at Boston College.
Playing in the USHL, Wahlstrom has totaled 31 goals, 27 assists, and 58 points in 55 games (1.05 points-per-game). When Wahlstrom has played in the USDP, he’s totaled 72 goals, 62 assists, and 134 points in 125 games (1.07 points-per-game). Without a doubt Wahlstrom is a scoring machine.
Hughes, unlike Wahlstrom, will be playing his sophomore at Michigan. He had a very good freshman year in the Big-10, totaling 5 goals, 24 assists, and 29 points in 37 games (0.78 points-per-game).
He played a major part throughout Michigan’s second-half of the season, helping them finish 22–15–3 after an 8–10–2 start to the season.
Not only will Hughes play with the Wolverines, but now he would have an opportunity to represent Team USA once again at the 2019 World Junior Championship in Vancouver. Playing in the World Juniors last year in Buffalo, Hughes impressed many people with his play. Hughes did have many points as he had only 3 assists in 7 games, but his abilities with his skating, leading the rush, and decision-making was eye-catching.