Victor Olofsson

Olofsson's sophomore season didn't go anywhere near as well as his rookie campaign, which isn't all that surprising considering he plays for the Sabres. His overall numbers were reasonable last year (13 goals, 32 points in 56 games) and his power-play production was excellent (seven goals, 15 points), but those offensive statistics came with a minus-23 rating attached. With Buffalo in the midst of a rebuild that may go on forever, it's difficult to get too excited about Olofsson from a fantasy perspective, especially when he offers nothing in the hits/blocks department. The one positive here is that Olofsson should continue to get all the playing time he can handle.

Olofsson was fantastic as a 25-year-old rookie in 2019-20, racking up 20 goals, 22 assists, 17 power-play points and 127 shots on goal in just 54 contests. The Swedish winger should only continue to improve during his sophomore campaign. He'll be playing with an improved supporting cast regardless of whether he finds himself on the first or second line, as the Sabres added Taylor Hall in free agency and Eric Staal via a trade this offseason, who will line up on the first and second lines respectively. That, combined with growing comfort and confidence levels, should result in even more impressive numbers across the board for Olofsson in 2020-21. Look for the 2014 seventh-round pick to play at or above a 25-goal, 55-point pace while averaging around 2.5 shots on goal per game this season. Olofsson will contribute almost nothing in terms of PIM, hits or blocks, but his scoring upside alone will make him worth picking up at some point between the eighth and tenth rounds in most fantasy formats.

Olofsson showed some exciting offensive ability after coming over to North America from Sweden last season, and the 24-year-old should make a strong push for a roster spot in camp. He spent most of 2018-19 in the AHL, compiling 30 goals and 63 points in 66 games, and Olofsson stayed productive after being called up late in the season with two power-play goals and two assists in a six-game taste of NHL action. Olofsson's value will be dictated by where he lands in the lineup and his ability to earn power-play time, but don't be too quick to discount the possibility of a productive campaign if he gets off to a hot start.

It's been a long road for Olofsson, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2014. A few injuries stagnated his development but he broke out last season with 27 goals in 50 games to lead Frolunda in the SHL. Olofsson has an outside chance to earn a spot with the Sabres, but there's no reason to rush him. He signed a two-year deal, but has plenty to prove on North American ice despite the breakout season and will likely spend most of his time with AHL Rochester. However, if Olofsson plays well, he may get called up to show the Sabres what he can do.