No one on the Buffalo Sabres has had a more tumultuous season than winger Victor Olofsson, but his arrow is pointing to the far north.
The Buffalo Sabres are projected, per NHL.com and The Morning Puck, to start Victor Olofsson on the top scoring line against the Philadelphia Flyers. And a chance to shine on the first line marks a defining moment in Olofsson’s trial-filled season.
After a fiery start to the year in which he scored five goals in his first eight games, a wrist injury sidelined Olofsson for three weeks. Upon return from the injury on November 21st, Olofsson did not score again until February 15th for a near-three month drought. Three-and-a-half months if you count missed time.
Buffalo Sabres winger Victor Olofsson gets a rare opportunity
Since Alex Tuch debuted following a trade from the Vegas Golden Knights, the Sabres top scoring line has been nearly inseparable. And rightfully so, given the production Tuch, Tage Thompson, and Jeff Skinner churn out on a regular basis.
But Olofsson, once seen as nothing more than a power play scoring specialist, has evolved his game. In fact, Buffalo Hockey Beat reported that 20 of Olofsson’s 35 career goals prior to this season came on the power play, mainly from the circle.
Through 66 games this season, Olofsson has 41 points, good for fifth on the team. His 18 goals rank fourth. He is threatening to reach a new career-high in goals scored and is just one point away from tying a career-best in points.
If Olofsson finishes the season strong, he is a shoo-in to return for 2022-23. For most of the year, he failed to live up to his $3.25 million base salary, but given his consistency since February 15th (20 points), it should come as no surprise if he manages to ink a lucrative deal.
Olofsson faces the ultimate test starting tonight. We will see if he takes advantage and shows he deserves to be at least a rotational piece on the top line.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)