In the summer of 2024, the Golden Knights were searching to replace the 42 goals scored by Jonathan Marchessault after departing for Nashville in free agency. VGK’s front office turned to Victor Olofsson, a former teammate of star center Jack Eichel and a 22-goal-per-season winger. Well, they’ve done it again.
This time around, Olofsson was brought in to replace the 37 goals that Pavel Dorofeyev scored last season. While he’s unlikely to reach 30 (he never has in his 8-year NHL career), he’ll be expected to shoot the puck as much as Dorfeyev did. In his only season with Vegas, Olofsson scored 15 goals in 56 games and ended his campaign with a plus/minus of +17. Unfortunately, Olofsson was hampered with a lengthy lower-body injury and missed several games due to an illness. It felt like an incomplete season, and now he’ll get the chance to take care of his unfinished business in Las Vegas.
The 30-year-old right winger began his VGK tenure with a monster debut against the Colorado Avalanche. Olofsson played 19 minutes, took 3 shots on goal, and scored twice. It was his first two-goal game since November 14th, 2023. The fit seemed perfect but was quickly disrupted once Olofsson was out of the lineup with a lower-body injury. Through his first four games as a Golden Knight, the newly acquired forward recorded three goals and 11 shots. By all accounts, the offensive veteran was living up to his expectations, especially for a player earning only $1.075M.
VGK’s front office discussed the need to bring back a proven scorer that fit within the parameters of the Golden Knights tight salary cap space. Due to Olofsson’s lack of production in Calgary and Colorado, Vegas was able to draw him in for under $2 million, $1,638,330 to be exact.
We wanted to add someone that has a history of being able to score goals, which Victor does. We had him, so we know the player. We liked more about his game then and now than just the fact that he’s a shooter, but he brings that skill set to our team. He’s responsible. He’s a smart player. So, I think he’ll find a good spot in our lineup. -Kelly McCrimmon
However, Olofsson isn’t a proven scorer like the players he replaced. Dorofeyev earned himself a $77M contract with New York by scoring 72 goals over the last two seasons. Sadly, VGK’s two-term right wing has 28 in that same span of time. Only twice has Olofsson registered 20+ goals in a season, the last time coming in 2022-23 with the Buffalo Sabres. Since then, the almost 31-year-old has averaged a woeful 11.6 goals per season and 1.9 shots per game. In comparison, Dorofeyev averaged 2.9 SOG.
Some would say Olofsson is due for a rebound. Certainly, Vegas’ front office believes enough to bring him back in to earn a top nine role.
Abdullah
Waste of time…its now the Vegas Silver Knights…
jake
I was hoping they would get him once Dorofyev was able to harvest some $$$$
Good place for Eichel to pass to.
Stay healthy, my friend!
JB
I like Vegas Vic. If he canstayhealty I think he can be a productive scorer !
Tim
Victor is OK I’m still hoping somehow we can dump Hill and Hertl and pick up Larkin I’d say it was a job well done. We’ve aquirerd all these draft picks Detroit is in a rebuild a trade made in heaven.
Emmanuel
Hertl’s not going anywhere, but I can see a package of Hill, Howden and 1 or 2 of Connelly & ‘Uchasz’ going to the Wings.
VGK Fan
Howden is only making 2.5 for the next 4 years no way they move him.
Emmanuel
Sell high, his value will never be greater and he has historically had poor production in the regular season. That low salary is catnip for other teams.
TS
Gotta retain Howden! He’s been the best value for the money and outstanding play- making we got from him! He’s a keeper!!!
Dean
That package might get a return of future considerations if the Knights eat half of Hills salary.
Leonard Wise
The problem with the Knights is they have too many expensive and non movable contracts. So they have to continue to find cheaper and lower talented debth to fill out the roster. But worse than that a lot of this talent doesn’t produce up to it’s contracts. Hanafin, Anderson,Hertal, Hill and yes even Eichel. They were not very good last season only got into the playoffs due to their division. They will be even worse this year. Once Karli,Stone, and Theadore get their usual injuries. Where going on all this AHL caliber talent to fill in. Mc Crimmon said Korzak was going to step and he’s gone. If Bowman is so good why didn’t he play till the last playoff game Mc Crimmon says the same about him as he said about Korzak
Oli going to replace Doro. This team will not make the playoffs this year. Book it.
Abdullah
Dumping Reilly Smith, who is solid and good and now.cheap, another mistake…
JB
The McGM made it clear yesterday that Hart and Hill are the tandem going into next year. Smoke screen, I doubt it. It’s pretty obvious that no one else wants to take on Hills contract. As far as Smitty, should have kept him. And never get rid of Howie. He’s simply one of the hardest high engine player on the team. Love the guy!