Another first-round pick has signed, as Oskar Olausson inks his entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche. The young forward was selected 28th overall in this year’s draft. CapFriendly reports the deal carries $832,500 in base salary every season with a $92,500 signing bonus, meaning a cap hit and average annual value of $925,000
Olausson, 18, made his SHL debut this season, suiting up at the highest level in Sweden for 16 games. He recorded three goals and four points in those matches, but filled the scoresheet at the junior level, adding 14 goals and 27 points in 16 games for HV71’s U20 squad. A talented skater, the 6’2″ forward can drive wide with speed or cleanly enter the offensive zone under control, shifting gears quickly to shake defenders. His overall game still needs polish, but that can be said about almost any player selected in the back half of the first round.
As a first-round pick, the Avalanche could send Olausson to the minor leagues or return him to Sweden for more development but did not reveal their plans in the press release. No matter where he plays, he’ll be a top option for Sweden at the World Junior tournament, given he took part in it last year as well. His role on that team should increase, as should his playing time in the SHL if that’s where he spends this season.