Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The Buffalo Sabres have signed Victor Olofsson to a two year deal, worth $3.05 million.
Olofsson, 25, tallied 42 points (20+22) in 54 games last season. His 20 goals tied for second among NHL rookies despite missing 15 contests due to injury, earning him a spot on the league's All-Rookie Team.
Among rookies who played at least 40 games with the Sabres, Olofsson's goals per game (.37) ranked seventh in franchise history. His points per game (.78) ranked 10th.
"I think his work ethic and his dedication to hockey is probably the thing that jumps out the most," Sabres captain Jack Eichel said after the season. "Obviously, he wants to be a good hockey player. He cares about his game; he takes care of himself and he's constantly works on his shot. He definitely holds himself accountable. When you put those things together, you're bound to have success."
Olofsson led NHL rookies in both goals (16) and points (35) at the time of his injury, which occurred in early January. He earned rookie of the month honors in October and November.
"I think that's something I've got to learn, just to be at a high level and be a threat all the time throughout an 82-game season," says Olofsson. "I think that's going to be the biggest challenge for me because I feel like I have the capability of scoring a lot of goals. So, I've just got to learn to manage the amount of games. That's my biggest challenge."
