Sabres forward Victor Olofsson says he's leaving the organization

PUBLICATION

Cooper Godin
April 26, 2024 (10:18 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Buffalo Sabres will be undergoing some change this summer, behind the bench and on the ice. While it's unclear what those on-ice changes will look like, at least one familiar face won't be returning to the team next season.

Forward Victor Olofsson confirmed to reporters in Sweden that he won't be returning to the Buffalo Sabres organization for the 2024-25 season and will seek out a new opportunity in the National Hockey League as an unrestricted free agent.

Note: the quotes in this story are translated from Swedish.

"No, I will look for a new club in the NHL. I didn't have a fun season."

"It was a very big disappointment. I didn't get the role I previously had at all and considering what I performed, it was a bit frustrating."

Olofsson told Expressen.se that, through his agent, he requested a trade away from the Buffalo Sabres, but nothing materialized before the deadline in March. He also said that he wants to remain in the National Hockey League next season and at least for a few more years before even considering returning to Europe and playing in either Sweden or Switzerland.

"Yes, it will be to find a new team in the autumn. So for me, an exciting summer awaits."

"I want to stay and play hockey at as high a level as I can. I think I have the qualities to be able to contribute in an NHL team."

During the interview, Olofsson expressed disappointment in how the Sabres' season went, as they missed the playoffs 13 consecutive years, but he's looking forward to a new chapter with a new organization.

"We had as a goal to go to the playoffs, so it was sad that we did not manage the set goal."

"But you don't always get what you want. Now I look forward and hope for a new adventure in the NHL."

The 28-year-old made his NHL debut, and appeared in six games for Buffalo, during the 2018-19 season, but really broke onto the scene the following campaign. In his rookie year, Olofsson had 42 points (20 goals, 22 assists) in 54 games and has gone on to have two more 20+ goal seasons during his time with the Buffalo Sabres.

It'll be interesting to see what options are out there for Olofsson on the open market. While he had a tough year in 2023-24, there's no doubt that his previous seasons of 20+ goals could intrigue some teams and he could be a cheap option for an organization looking for some depth scoring.