Article: Avalanche Forward May Return To Europe.
Playing 57 games and primarily centering the fourth line, Fredrik Olofsson was a mainstay in the Colorado Avalanche roster until quite recently. That was altered just prior to the trade deadline when he was moved to the AHL and placed on waivers, where he has spent the most of the previous few weeks.
It appears that the 27-year-old attacker may be planning to play in Europe again the following season.
Expressen reports that Olofsson, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, intends to play for EV Zug in Switzerland the following season, barring a one-way deal with the NHL. According to the publication, the two sides are deep in negotiations, and the only thing that may prevent the transfer is a one-way NHL deal. Olofsson and the Avalanche do not currently have a one-way contract.
EV Zug, currently in fourth position in Switzerland, is a squad capable of making the playoffs. Olofsson might be a great acquisition for them because they don’t exactly have a lot of talent that has played in the NHL. Andreas Wingerli, a former Avalanche signing, is a member of that squad. A few years ago, Wingerli traveled abroad in search of a chance, but he played the whole season in the AHL.
It should come as no surprise that Olofsson, who spent a few seasons playing for IK Oskarshamn in the Swedish Hockey League, would not be returning to his home country.
Olofsson has six points in eight AHL games since joining the Eagles. Though Yakov Trenin and Casey Mittelstadt have given the organization a little more depth at center, he still has a chance to receive another NHL call-up this season.
If Olofsson does go on, I wish him the best of luck since he was a great guy to talk to in the Avalanche locker room. In the coming months, CHN will keep an eye on this subject.
