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Sabres notes: Why did Victor Olofsson change his number again?

BUFFALO – Three years into his NHL career, Sabres winger Victor Olofsson is already sporting his third number.

The Swede recently switched to No. 71 after having No. 68 for two seasons. He also briefly wore No. 41 for his first six NHL games late in the 2018-19 season.

Why did Olofsson pick new digits? When he broke into the NHL, No. 71, one of his favorite numbers, was worn by Evan Rodrigues, a forward the Sabres traded in 2020.

Olofsson, who enjoyed a 20-goal rookie season wearing No. 68, claims he’s not superstitious.

“I just asked if I could switch,” Olofsson said following Sunday’s scrimmage inside KeyBank Center.

Olofsson likes to wear No. 11, but that number, of course, was worn by the legendary Gilbert Perreault and is retired.

Sabres coach Don Granato said on Sunday the lineup for tonight’s preseason opener in Columbus against the Blue Jackets will resemble Monday’s practice groups.

The first group featured notable names such as Olofsson, forwards Rasmus Asplund, Casey Mittelstadt and Tage Thompson and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Mittelstadt centered Olofsson and Jeff Skinner during the session. Meanwhile, Asplund, a winger last season, pivoted Thompson and Drake Caggiula.

In the second practice, Jack Quinn, who has been playing center, moved back to right wing beside center Dylan Cozens and J-J Peterka.

Quinn, the eighth overall pick last year, shifted to center late last season.

The Sabres on Monday sent three forwards – Josh Bloom, Viljami Marjala and Olivier Nadeau – back to their respective junior teams.

Fifty-five players are still on the training camp roster. That number will likely be trimmed again soon.

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