While Wolanin embraced a full-time role on the Nordiques blueline, the team was a perennial doormat in the standings. Wolanin established himself as an anchor on the Nordiques defense, and became known for his defensive prowess and ability of clearing opposing players from the front of the net. Wolanin played in a career-high 80 games during the 1990–91 season, earning an invitation to play for the United States national team at the 1991 IIHF World Championship at the end of the season. Wolanin missed significant time throughout the rest of his tenure with the Nordiques, battling various injuries.