BY: PATRICK KOSTER
The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed forward Victor Olofsson to a two-year, $6.1 million contract today.
The 25-year old was a restricted free agent scheduled to go into arbitration Nov. 4 before the signing. Last season, Olofsson amassed 42 points (20 goals, 22 assists) in 54 games during his rookie season.
He was tied for second in goals among NHL rookies, despite missing 15 games with a lower-body injury. Olofsson’s goals per game (.37) also ranked him seventh in franchise history amongst Sabres’ rookies. His performance earned him a spot on the NHL’s All-Rookie Team.
Last season’s injury didn’t really put a damper on Olofsson’s rookie season, but it didn’t help the Sabres, who went 7-7-1 without him.
“I think that’s something I’ve got to learn, just to be at a high level and be a threat all the time throughout an 82-game season,” Olofsson told NHL.com. “I think that’s going to be the biggest challenge for me because I feel like I have the capability of scoring a lot of goals. So, I’ve just got to learn to manage the amount of games. That’s my biggest challenge.”
Longevity may be a minor concern, but Olofsson is in good company this season. With the signings of left-winger Taylor Hall, center Eric Staal, and the re-signing of forward Sam Reinhart, Olofsson is primed to put up some bigger numbers.
Hall will almost certainly take a natural left-wing position on Jack Eichel’s line, leaving an open space for either Olofsson or Reinhart. With such an impressive rookie season, it would make sense to see Olofsson begin the season on the top line with Eichel and Hall.
Even if Olofsson is somehow shuffled around and placed on the second-line, Staal and either Reinhart or Jeff Skinner will make great linemates for him.
Either way, if Olofsson remains a top-six forward, “Goalofsson” should be making a big impact this season. These line options should produce a lot of points and friendly competition between Sabres players to fight for those top-line spots.
Before the joining the Sabres, Olofsson saw about five seasons in the Swedish Hockey League before moving onto the AHL’s Rochester Americans in 2018-19. He was the Sabres’ seventh-round draft pick (181st overall) in 2014. Olofsson had a brief, six-game stint with the Sabres during the 2018-19 season. He had 4 points (two goals, two assists).
After this current two-year deal, Olofsson will have restricted free agency eligibility for one year.
The Sports Desk can be reached at editorialtrainwrecksports@gmail.com
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