BUFFALO – The Sabres today locked up their most significant restricted free agent, agreeing to terms with winger Victor Olofsson on a two-year, $9.5 million contract.
Olofsson, who turns 27 next Monday, finished last season on a tear, compiling 15 goals and 28 points over his final 34 games. He also enjoyed a hot start, scoring five goals and nine points in the first seven games.
If Olofsson hadn’t suffered a wrist injury in early November, he might’ve joined Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner, his linemates late in the season, in the Sabres’ 30-goal club.
Olofsson endured a stunning 30-game goal drought but still recorded 20 goals and 49 points in 72 outings.
The Swede has compiled 55 goals and 127 points in 188 career NHL games.
He just completed a two-year, $6.1 million contract. He has scored 20 goals twice in his three NHL seasons.
Forwards Brett Murray and Arttu Ruotsalainen and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are the Sabres’ other restricted free agents. Murray and Ruotsalainen have arbitration rights.
The Sabres have an estimated $24,904,166 of salary cap space, according to capfriendly.com, and a projected cap hit of $57,595,834. The salary floor is $61 million.
