Scoring seven goals in 11 games (oh, thank heaven!) will warrant some attention from Vegas Golden Knights fans. You're seen as a reliable sniper who scores power play goals (four, to be exact). That's the case with Victor Olofsson, who's also on a one-year, $1.075 million contract.
Prove-it deals are given to players with impressive bodies of work before joining the team. They've accomplished great things, such as scoring 11 power play goals and 17 power play points for the Buffalo Sabres in 2019-20. Sure, last season (seven goals and eight assists) was a dud. But Kelly McCrimmon is willing to give him a try.
McCrimmon is also in a re-signing mood, giving contract extensions to four players during the 2024-25 season. Such names include Shea Theodore (seven years, $51.975 million), Brayden McNabb (three years, $10.95 million), and Keegan Kolesar (three years, $7.5 million). Tis' the season for handing out contracts and potentially winning another Stanley Cup, eh?
But fans are starting to notice the Swedish forward elevate his game. He scored a power play goal on Sunday and added another third-period goal, leading the Golden Knights to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Surely, McCrimmon doesn't mind handing out another deal to a current Golden Knights star, right?
You know what time it is, dear reader. Time to explore the possibility of seeing if another contract extension can be worked out. Is it worth giving Olofsson two or three more years on the Golden Knights? Or should McCrimmon pass on the 29-year-old?
Why the Vegas Golden Knights should give Victor Olofsson a new deal?
Victor Olofsson's main calling card is special teams. He's a terrific sniper on the power play, using his hard shot to get past defenders. That's why the Swedish forward has four power play goals in 11 games this season. Let's look at Sunday's man-advantage goal as a perfect example.
Victor Olofsson makes no mistake on the Golden Knights power play. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/WSGXGYFuVK
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 15, 2024
Olofsson nails a wrist shot from the outer slot to get the Vegas Golden Knights on the board. Initially, this was Jonathan Marchessault's specialty. The only difference was he did this on even strength as well, making him a versatile threat. However, he's off doing karaoke in the Gulch.
Therefore, you need someone like Olofsson to step in and carry the load. When healthy, he's done this, providing a spark for the fourth-best unit in the NHL (27.6%). People will credit Tomas Hertl (seven goals, four assists) and Jack Eichel (12 assists) for giving the franchise its best unit ever. However, the 31-year-old also deserves praise for giving the team a viable sniper, especially after losing an "Original Misfit" in free agency this summer.
How valuable is Olofsson?
Olofsson isn't going to fetch an eight-year deal. Let's make that clear. He's not going to light the lamp consistently and be an all-around threat. He has a defined niche within the Vegas Golden Knights system, similar to what Keegan Kolesar has.
However, the Swedish forward does deserve a two-year, $2.5 million AAV deal for his troubles (if re-signed). He has an excellent shot that can be used on the power play and snipes from anywhere. Such traits are valuable to a team looking for another Stanley Cup, specifically if they haven't had a great power play in their team history.
McCrimmon could even look into a third year if the circumstances are right. The 29-year-old has a proven track record of being a high-clip goal scorer with the Buffalo Sabres. Give him the right spot as Bruce Cassidy has done this season and he'll thrive.
The main downside is Olofsson has been wonderful in a short clip. What can he do in 30 or 40 games with the team (minimum)? Will he be hit with another injury? These questions will play into whether he gets a new deal or not. But having a 200-foot game will also help his case. That way, he can expand his role on the team and become more viable.
The 2024-25 season has seen noteworthy names get shiny new deals to keep them in Las Vegas. Players like Theodore, McNabb, and Brett Howden aren't going anywhere. That could also be the case for Olofsson, who's doing incredible things for the Golden Knights. Who knows? Maybe fans will see No. 95 skating around T-Mobile Arena next season and beyond.