It has been a rocky season for Sabres winger Victor Olofsson. After putting up 17 points in his first 20 games, he has struggled to produce with just seven in his last 24 contests while struggling to stay healthy. Owed a $3.25MM qualifying offer this summer, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News wonders if that may be too pricey for Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams. It’s not that they don’t have the cap space to make such an offer – they certainly do – but would it be worth qualifying him if the spot on the depth chart he’s earmarked for isn’t one that’s worth that much money? In that scenario, Olofsson would be on an overpriced contract next season which wouldn’t help his trade value. Accordingly, the 26-year-old could be a name to keep an eye on over the next few weeks if they decide that they’re better off moving him now.
More from the Atlantic Division:
- While most rebuilding teams don’t typically set their sights on pricey, high-end unrestricted free agents, Pierre LeBrun reported in the latest TSN Insider Trading segment (video link) that the Canadiens intend to be aggressive in free agency with the hopes of landing a significant player or two on the open market. Montreal is currently projected to be fairly tight to the cap for next season already so if that is their plan, they will need to move some players out that are signed beyond next season as they look to add more draft picks in prospects prior to the trade deadline.
- The injury that Senators prospect defenseman Jake Sanderson sustained at the Olympics is not as bad as initially feared, relays Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald. He has returned to practice with North Dakota although he won’t be in their lineup for their upcoming two-game set against Western Michigan. It’s widely expected that the 19-year-old will turn pro after his season with the Fighting Hawks comes to an end.
You definitely keep Victor, has the potential to be big contributor
He was so good for the last few years…but now?
At $4.5mil? Then a FA? GMKA might just move on from him.
The Sabres could probably get a FA or 2 that can give better offensive production for that money (I would).
Olofsson needs a setup man, he won’t score by himself. At this point it’s best for Bflo to move him & reap the benefits down the line.
If you need a set up man to score then you are a one dimensional player. Even Skinner can create his own scoring chances. At $4.5mil that starts to become a expensive luxury. The Sabres need to reallocate that money to other players that can also create their own scoring chances.