REPORT: Avalanche Forward Could Head Back To Europe

Up until relatively recently, Fredrik Olofsson was a regular in the lineup for the Colorado Avalanche, having played 57 games and spending most nights centering the fourth line. That changed right before the trade deadline, when he was placed on waivers and sent to the AHL, where he’s spent the majority of the last few weeks.

As it turns out, the 27 year old forward might have his eyes set on returning to Europe next season.

According to Expressen, Olofsson, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, will head to Switzerland to play for EV Zug next season…unless he gets a one-way deal in the NHL. The publication reports that the two parties are deep in negotiations and a one-way NHL contract is the only thing that could stop the transfer from happening. Olofsson does not currently have a one-way deal with the Avalanche.

EV Zug is currently a playoff caliber team over in Switzerland, sitting in fourth place as of this moment. They don’t exactly have a ton of talent that played in the NHL, so Olofsson could be a big get for them. Former Avalanche signing Andreas Wingerli plays on that team. Wingerli came overseas a few years ago for an opportunity, but spent the entire season in the AHL.

Olofsson had previously played a few seasons in the Swedish Hockey League for IK Oskarshamn, so the only surprise might be that he wouldn’t be heading back to Sweden.

Since joining the Eagles, Olofsson has six points in eight games in the AHL. There’s always the possibility he could get another NHL call-up this season, but the team suddenly has a little more depth at center with the acquisitions of Yakov Trenin and Casey Mittelstadt.

Olofsson was a wonderful guy to talk to in the Avalanche locker room, so if he does move on, I wish him all the best. CHN will continue to follow this story over the next few months.