The offseason seemed like doom and gloom for the Vegas Golden Knights. Out went several pieces like Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, and Logan Thompson. These players were key to the Golden Knights winning their first Stanley Cup in 2023, finishing the story told in 2017. However, there were some under-the-radar signings that fans shouldn't sleep on.
That includes Victor Olofsson, who's projected to reunite with Jack Eichel on the top line. The former Buffalo Sabres star didn't do much last season, only scoring seven goals and eight assists with the team. Still, he signed a one-year, $1.075 million deal, allowing himself to prove he's still a good player after a dismal season. When life hands you lemons...
For Olofsson, he's capable of returning to the 20+ goal form he had in the land of buffalo wings. The Swedish winger scored 28 goals in 2022-23, with seven coming on the power play. There was also 2019-20, where he scored 11 power play goals. That alone could be a steal for the Golden Knights, who are suddenly seeking wing depth.
So how will the new hockey year turn out for the newest player for Vegas? Will it be a waste of over a million dollars? Or will fans want to make a similar move like that again? Fans could be in for a pleasant surprise, especially since Kelly McCrimmon and Bruce Cassidy have a proven track record of getting the most out of lesser-known players. Here's how 2024-25 will look for one of Vegas's few free agent summer signings.
Factors that could determine the former Sabres season with the Vegas Golden Knights (involving Jack Eichel)
Rumor has it that Victor Olofsson is set to reunite with former Sabres teammate Jack Eichel on the top line. While this would be an interesting choice for a team fighting for the Stanley Cup, there's a good reason behind it. For one, the two players are familiar with one other, with Olofsson serving as Eichel's teammate for three seasons. Familiarity could give the Swedish winger a much-needed boost in his stats.
But that reason could also be thrown out the window considering his 2022-23 campaign. While the former second-overall pick won his first Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights, Olofsson was still with Buffalo serving as a great offensive piece. Still, his last season could serve as an omen for what's to come with his playing career.
In that 2022-23 campaign, his stats were notably great. His goals above expected were 7.8, he had 1.13 expected goals per 60 minutes, and 23% of his unblocked shots missed the net. Compare that to the next season, where his goals above expected were 1.7, he had 0.54 expected goals per 60 minutes, and 32% of his unblocked shots missed the net. Ironically, his shot attempts went down with his accuracy (273 attempts in 2022-23 compared to 127 in 2023-24).
If working with Eichel brings out the most in the new forward, it can be a boon for the Golden Knights. They won't worry about losing key pieces as much if the two reunited teammates click. That starts with rediscovering the accuracy in his shot, which can do wonders for a salary cap-tight team in Vegas.
Predicting the 2024-25 season for Victor Olofsson on the Vegas Golden Knights
The new hockey year could be the redemption story Victor Olofsson needs. He's joining forces with former Buffalo Sabres teammate Jack Eichel and could be playing on the top line starting the season. Given how efficient Kelly McCrimmon has been at signing players on bargain deals, fans could be pleasantly surprised with the deal.
Will that be the case in 2024-25? Will fans see a renaissance with the Swedish forward? Olofsson should score 18 goals and 16 assists this season, with four power play goals and four power play assists. These stats might not jump out to the regular hockey fan. It might also seem overly optimistic compared to his last season. However, it's enough for fans to feel satisfied with his overall production.
Sometimes, reunions can be a great thing in life. That's especially true when it's two former teammates joining forces once again. Whether it's family member or long-lost friends, catching up always feed good. For Olofsson, playing with Eichel again could be what the doctor ordered for his playing career.