NHL Prospect Profile: Jacob Olofsson

Statistics

Scout Quotes

Olofsson projects as a second or third line centre in the NHL, if he can continue his development. He could be the type of player that coaches trust in all situations, and play big minutes. He will need some time to be NHL ready, and it is likely that he spends at least one more season overseas. Olofsson is still growing and putting muscle on his frame. Once he makes his way to North America, he likely needs a bit of AHL time as well. – Last Word on Hockey

AJ’s Thoughts

Olofsson defines what I always refer to as “Classic Swedish”. He’s not exceptional at any one thing but he does everything well. With an impressive offensive arsenal that allows him to mix goal-scoring with playmaking, Olofsson was very productive in his draft year while playing pro in Sweden. He has a solid shot and he’s physically mature already at 6’2″ and 190 pounds. Not an explosive athlete, he’s a steady offensive player in the middle of the ice.

He’s a responsible center who takes care of his own zone well and will be challenged moving forward as he helped Timra graduate from the Allsvenskan to the SHL. There isn’t a lot of creativity to his game but his “do everything well” will fit in nicely wherever he lands. Given he’s Swedish and they have multiple picks in the 30s, Olofsson landing in Detroit almost feels like a foregone conclusion.

Highlights

Avalanche Fit

Where Olofsson is ranked on most lists means the Avalanche aren’t likely looking at him on draft day. If they were to move down from 16 and getting a late-first round selection, Olofsson would make a lot of sense for them. As it is, they would probably be better served drafting a very similar guy at 16 in Lundestrom but neither is the high-end guy Colorado could really use. Olofsson’s safe, two-way play is something the Avalanche could really benefit from because they don’t have any of those defensive stopper type centers in the organization right now. Olofsson could profile as that and if he were to last to Colorado’s pick at 47 he would be an excellent fit there.

Rankings

#31 Future Considerations
#33 McKeen’s Hockey