Putting on the Bruins sweater was a dream come true for Oliver Wahlstrom

Wahlstrom said he won’t change his game – which includes a big shot – for his new team.

“I definitely think I want to keep things simple from the start because I’ll be pretty motivated and playing with some pretty experienced players and some new people,” he said. “So I think I should keep it simple for the first few games and then once I do that things will open up for sure.”

Wahlstrom should also man the elbow on the second power play unit. He worked there during the morning skate and seemed comfortable.

Despite having little practice time to build chemistry, Wahlstrom has kept the lines of communication open.

“I had a few conversations with Charlie about power plays and things like that,” Wahlstrom said. “I think I’ll lean on him a lot, ask a lot of questions and I kind of know him from when I was a kid coaching in Boston. He’s a really fun player. He holds onto the puck and makes plays. So I think I just move my legs and try to find those open areas and get my body involved.”

Wahlstrom said his conversations with the coach – and his fellow New England native – Joe Sacco were also productive.

“Obviously a lot of new systems, so take them in, but also just go out there and have fun, enjoy it,” Wahlstrom said of Sacco’s message. “My entire family is excited for me to represent Boston and play for this Original Six team. I’m very grateful for that.”

Sacco said it was important for Wahlstrom, who had two goals and four points in 27 games with the Islanders this season, to play his game.

“We discussed things that we think are important so that he understands how we want to play, but you have to be careful not to get too much information,” said the coach. “You don’t want to cripple the player. Just go out and play and we’ll correct the mistakes that happened in our structure, but other than that we just want to see him play.”

Wahlstrom didn’t have any family on hand for his debut, but he expects a big turnout for Saturday’s home game against the Sabers, including his sister. Alexandrawho lives in Charlestown.

“Maybe if I’m in the lineup it’ll be a free night for me,” Wahlstrom joked. “But my sister is there, so the most important and special thing for me is my sister. We’ve been close since we were kids, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday.”

Johnson relied on waivers

The Bruins placed Tyler Johnson to unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

The 34-year-old winger, who came to training camp as part of a professional tryout, signed a one-year contract in early November with a salary cap hit of $775,000.

Johnson appeared in nine games and collected two assists, but was never able to establish himself consistently. He took part in the current trip, but only played in the defeat in Seattle, where he recorded a minus-4 draw.

Johnson, who has 193 goals and 433 points in 747 career games, will likely draw interest from teams seeking a veteran presence with playoff experience.

Lineup change

With elective power in, Mark Kastelic with moved to the fourth line Johnny Beecher And Marc McLaughlin. Cole Koepke was the strange man outside… defender Parker Wotherspoon was absent from the morning skate… The NHL holiday roster freeze went into effect at midnight Thursday night. The rule was created to prevent players from having to worry about being moved to a new team over the holidays…Edmonton native Johnny Boychukwho won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, was a guest on Morning Skate… Rafter Check: The Oilers have retired eight numbers: Al Hamilton (3), Kevin Lowe (4), Paul Coffey (7), Glenn Anderson (9), Mark Messier (11), Jari Kurri (17), Grant Fuhr (31) and a guy with a name Wayne Gretzky (99).

Jim McBride can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @globejimmcbride.