Evan Rawal
New Colorado Avalanche forward Fredrik Olofsson was raised in Colorado, but born in Helginsgborn, Sweden. Prior to returning to North America this past season, he spent three years playing professionally in his native country. Two of those years were spent in the Swedish Hockey League, where he was a top scorer for IK Oskarshamn.
I reached out to a scout in the Swedish Hockey League for a report on Olofsson, and got the low-down on what type of player he is.
While Olofsson played wing in the NHL, this scout prefers him at a mother position.
“For me, he is a center,” the scout told me. “I like him from what I have seen when he played in HockeyAllsvenskan and later, SHL.”
Olofsson got into two playoff games this year for Dallas, and generated a lot of opportunities in those two games, but failed to score. With the Avalanche moving Anton Blidh for Gustav Rydahl at the trade deadline, and then Rydahl leaving to return to Sweden, Colorado needed a bigger depth forward.
And Olofsson isn’t afraid to throw his body around.
“Maybe not physical in the way he always throws hits, but in a more intense way, which I prefer,” he told me.
There wasn’t much production here in North America for Olofsson, and I wouldn’t expect that to change. However, his underlying metrics with the Stars were very promising, and he has size, which the Avalanche lacked in their bottom six last season.
“I think he can be a good fit as a 4C in the NHL,” he said. “Decent size, great competitor. Not sure about Avs style of play but has a history in SHL of being great on the rush.”
As of right now, the Avalanche have only 5 signed forwards with guaranteed roster spots heading into next season. Players like Ben Meyers, Alex Newhook, and Denis Malgin are expected to be re-signed, but there could be opportunity for others to earn a spot, depending on what the team does this summer.
Olofsson is one of those players who could earn a spot.
“Might be a really good add. It has potential,” the scout ended with. ” (He) can play D, great on the rush in SHL. And good at attacking the slot.”