The Buffalo Sabres aren’t going to make the playoffs this season, so they’ve decided to take a look at some of their young players. Alexander Nylander has already been up with the team for the last few weeks, and now another Swedish forward is on his way. The Sabres recalled Victor Olofsson today for the first time in his career.
Olofsson, 23, is off to an outstanding start to his professional career in North America, recording 60 points in 64 games for the Rochester Americans this season. The seventh-round pick from 2014 signed his two-year entry-level contract last spring after several years in the SHL.
Obviously what Olofsson has done in the European and minor leagues is impressive, but he’ll have to show he can bring that offense to the NHL in order to stick around. This summer could very well bring more change for the Sabres lineup, given that Jeff Skinner and Jason Pominville both remain unsigned while others like Vladimir Sobotka haven’t proven reliable. If Olofsson can impress in his short recall, it would go a long way to securing a roster spot next season. The front office has obviously not believed he was ready until now, a head-scratching decision given his dominance in the AHL.
He should be quite comfortable in Buffalo, as Olofsson was teammates with Rasmus Dahlin last season for Frolunda and knows Lawrence Pilut well from their battles in the SHL.