Bold roster move might redefine the Avalanche's path moving forward
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / NBC Sports
Training camp is in full swing, and with it comes experimenting with lineups and rewarding players who've earned a chance. According to head coach Jared Bednar, Victor Olofsson will be among those getting an opportunity as the NHL season draws near.
While Olofsson was clearly slotted on the 3rd line, new developments suggest he may crack the top-six.
Victor Olofsson quickly emerging as a dark horse in Colorado Avalanche training camp.
According to Conor Lively of Mile High Sticking, Olofsson will play a bigger role than originally anticipated. He will be given lots of opportunity to prove his worth, and move up in the depth chart.
"I'm actually excited to see Olofsson get a shot at the top of the roster because I can see him feasting on the high-end playmaking abilities of guys like Brock Nelson, Martin Necas, and, of course, Nathan MacKinnon. So this begs the questions, who takes the open spot on the third line? And what does the top power play unit look like?" -Lively
Olofsson is an elite shooter and scoring goals is always a top priority for NHL teams. This level of shooting doesn't just give more options 5-on-5, but on the power play as well. The Avalanche are known to have an inconsistent power play, and an elite shooter can bring some stability to it.
"Trying to find a way to maximize a projected third liner is a good problem to have. The Avs power play has been somewhat frustrating to watch in recent seasons and a lot of that stems from not having quite the right personnel to run a second unit. Not running the top unit for almost an entire two minute power play is something that could benefit the team in other ways. Victor Olofsson is a major reason the Avs have the opportunity to actually run two power play units." -Lively
The Avalanche have been criticized all summer and even last season for a lack of depth. If they can get good production out of Olofsson, on such a small contract, that criticism will all but disappear will be that much better this coming season.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Colorado Avalanche giving Victor Olofsson opportunity to earn more ice time
Mile High Sticking
Colorado Avalanche giving Victor Olofsson opportunity to earn more ice time
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 23 | 20 ANSWERS Bold roster move might redefine the Avalanche's path moving forward Will Victor Olofsson play on the top-six for most of the Avalanche season? | ||
| yes | 12 | 60 % |
| no | 8 | 40 % |
| List of polls | ||
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