While Victor Olofsson struggled to stay healthy last season (a common theme for his career), the 29-year-old winger produced 15 goals and 29 points in 56 games for the Vegas Golden Knights. That put Olofsson on an 82-game pace for 22 goals and 42 points, which would have been his highest total since recording a career-best 49 points in the 2021-22 season. His plus-17 rating last season was also a career-high by a wide margin.
When healthy, Olofsson may be the most offensively gifted remaining free agent. He has produced three career 20-plus goal campaigns, including 28 with the Buffalo Sabres during the 2022-23 campaign. He could provide quality depth scoring and might even contribute in a top-six role. However, the Swedish winger has played 75 or more games just once in his NHL career and has averaged only 60 games per season over six full seasons.
As a three-time 20-goal scorer, Olofsson should appeal to a range of teams, whether it’s contenders looking to bolster their depth or rebuilding clubs eyeing a potential trade chip for next season’s deadline.
Stats
2024-25: 56 GP, 15 G, 14 A, 29 PTS, +17, 16 PIMS, 109 shots, 14:30 ATOI, 57 CF%
Career: 370 GP, 105 G, 106 A, 211 PTS, -46, 44 PIMS, 777 shots, 15:18 ATOI, 55.5 CF%
Potential Suitors
As mentioned above, Olofsson may be the best offensive threat still available on the open market, making his services attractive to several potential suitors. His ability to produce 20-goal seasons, combined with his anticipated affordability, should land him a deal in the not-too-distant future.
A reunion with the Golden Knights seemed like a logical fit at the start of free agency, but Vegas is now more than $7 million over the cap, according to PuckPedia. However, a reunion with the Sabres, with whom he spent his first six seasons, could be a fit. The Sabres have more than enough cap space to sign Olofsson and could benefit from a veteran presence within its top-nine. Another team to monitor could be the Minnesota Wild, who despite making the playoffs last season, finished 25th in the league in goals for with 225. Signing Olofsson at a bargain price could help strengthen Minnesota’s depth scoring. Prior to free agency, ProHockeyRumors identified the Seattle Kraken as a potential destination as well.
Projected Contract
Olofsson is coming off a one-year, $1.075 million deal with the Golden Knights. While last season was seen as a “prove-it” year, he ironically proved what’s been true all along: when healthy, he can produce, but injuries continued to limit his overall impact.
The 5’11”, 180-pound winger will likely have to settle for a similar deal this late into the process, although seven figures probably isn’t a guaranteed.
I could see Colorado offer a similar contract to have him center their 3rd line.
You mean to play wing right?
Sign him and trade both Rust and Rakell. NSH and BOS are lousy, too. We can’t ice a great top line.
Some combo of Mantha, Olofsson, McGroarty and Koivunen (with Sid and Geno) is a good enough top six for a lottery team.