Prospect Info: Jacob Olofsson

[montreal]

Do you think he will end up being better then JDR?

that's a tough one, many around here did not care for DLR, but he seems to be doing well enough with the wings, he's got 19 pts in his last 85 NHL games going into today at least. That's very solid 4th line production from a 23 year old. Can Olofsson do better? Let's see how the season unfolds and then hope that the Habs leave him in the SHL next year like they should have done with DLR imo.

I've compared them in this thread, they have a lot of similar parts to their games. Both played in the 2nd league at 17, both had their teams promoted to the SHL at 18, both put up around the same amount of offense at 17, and so far appear to be doing so at 18 although I consider Olofsson to have more offensive upside then DLR so I hope I'm not wrong on that one. But I felt many around here were too hard on DLR who was handled very poorly by the Habs but might turn out to be a decent 4th liner. I hope Olofsson can be more then that.

 

[Vachon23]

that's a tough one, many around here did not care for DLR, but he seems to be doing well enough with the wings, he's got 19 pts in his last 85 NHL games going into today at least. That's very solid 4th line production from a 23 year old. Can Olofsson do better? Let's see how the season unfolds and then hope that the Habs leave him in the SHL next year like they should have done with DLR imo.

I've compared them in this thread, they have a lot of similar parts to their games. Both played in the 2nd league at 17, both had their teams promoted to the SHL at 18, both put up around the same amount of offense at 17, and so far appear to be doing so at 18 although I consider Olofsson to have more offensive upside then DLR so I hope I'm not wrong on that one. But I felt many around here were too hard on DLR who was handled very poorly by the Habs but might turn out to be a decent 4th liner. I hope Olofsson can be more then that.

But DLR was physical at the age of 17-18. Didn't understand why he stop to be physical when he came in NA. For Olofsson with KK Domi Poehling Danault, I think if we can developpe him in a PK specialist he could be a really good 4th line center for us. Can he be a Jacob Larsson type of player ?

 

[montreal]

But DLR was physical at the age of 17-18. Didn't understand why he stop to be physical when he came in NA. For Olofsson with KK Domi Poehling Danault, I think if we can developpe him in a PK specialist he could be a really good 4th line center for us. Can he be a Jacob Larsson type of player ?

If you look at DLR first season in the NHL he was much more physical, don't know if MT told him to tone it down or he just did it on his own.

 

[Harry Kakalovich]

Let's see how he looks in Sweden next year.

 

[Just Linda]

Watching Oloffson last year vs this year... I dunno, it just seems different and I can't out my finger on it. I can't tell if he's overwhelmed or trying to be something he's not or what it is but he just doesn't seem like himself lately. I've been trying to figure it out for a couple months about what it is, he looks a step slower and not as quick thinking at times.

 

[Hfbsux]

Watching Oloffson last year vs this year... I dunno, it just seems different and I can't out my finger on it. I can't tell if he's overwhelmed or trying to be something he's not or what it is but he just doesn't seem like himself lately. I've been trying to figure it out for a couple months about what it is, he looks a step slower and not as quick thinking at times.

From all my viewings of him (about 10 games), I saw a guy with great size who skates well on the backcheck. I haven't seen him leading the offense, he seems to be the 3rd guy back and make sure his line don't give up oddman rushes. Which is good, but for a 2nd rounder, I expected more. Haven't seen him lately (I thought he was hurt), but if he is worse than that, it isn't a good sign. That being said, he still is only 18 years old, next year should tell us more about about his potential (stilll eligible for WJC).

 

[Harry Kakalovich]

Watching Oloffson last year vs this year... I dunno, it just seems different and I can't out my finger on it. I can't tell if he's overwhelmed or trying to be something he's not or what it is but he just doesn't seem like himself lately. I've been trying to figure it out for a couple months about what it is, he looks a step slower and not as quick thinking at times.

He's playing in the top league this year. The competition has got to be significantly better. That will make anyone look a bit slower. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[montreal]

From all my viewings of him (about 10 games), I saw a guy with great size who skates well on the backcheck. I haven't seen him leading the offense, he seems to be the 3rd guy back and make sure his line don't give up oddman rushes. Which is good, but for a 2nd rounder, I expected more. Haven't seen him lately (I thought he was hurt), but if he is worse than that, it isn't a good sign. That being said, he still is only 18 years old, next year should tell us more about about his potential (stilll eligible for WJC).

Just watched him the other day, still looks the same, plays a good bit but not much in the way of offense. He had one shot on goal, but it was Hallander drafted right behind him that has shown much more as he's got as many goals as Olofsson has points. But Oloffson has the physical tools of size, speed, skating, strength that are already NHL level, we can leave him in Sweden for a couple years and see what happens. Just hope they don't pull a DLR and bring him to the AHL at 19, put him on the 4th line where he doesn't play much for half the season and only when he returned from the WJC's did they move him up to the top 6 and then later to the NHL where the rest is history.

 

[Dominator13]

He's playing in the top league this year. The competition has got to be significantly better. That will make anyone look a bit slower. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Exactly.

This is why I cross my fingers at every prospect going to the CHL to play against their peers instead if these adult filled leagues. I've been reading a ton of posts here and on Twitter, still questioning Poehling's offensive capabilities, even after grabbing the WJC MVP title...

These kids try to survive more than they try to thrive. Olofsson is no different, most 18-20 year hockey players are built like noodles. They don't have the natural lower body strength to be at ease on the ice with full grown men.

My point? Calm down people.. The development process is far from over in his case..

 

[BaseballCoach]

If you look at DLR first season in the NHL he was much more physical, don't know if MT told him to tone it down or he just did it on his own.

I think, ironically, it was the club that got impatient with him and wanted him to start showing offensive prowess, and he started to change his game.

I believe that had we been patient and just kept him in the NHL in the role he excelled at, the high IQ and compete levels he showed would have led to him putting up better and better stats until he would have been a fine 3rd liner by age 22 or so.

Bob Gainey was not told to become Steve Shutt, yet he eventually produced enough offence to go with his defence that he got tons of respect as a hockey player.

 

[Just Linda]

I think, ironically, it was the club that got impatient with him and wanted him to start showing offensive prowess, and he started to change his game.

I believe that had we been patient and just kept him in the NHL in the role he excelled at, the high IQ and compete levels he showed would have led to him putting up better and better stats until he would have been a fine 3rd liner by age 22 or so.

Bob Gainey was not told to become Steve Shutt, yet he eventually produced enough offence to go with his defence that he got tons of respect as a hockey player.

Thing is though he is almost 24 now and he wasn't developing into anything. He was known for his defensive skill but he never really matured them at an NHL level. He's got 7 points in 40 games in Detroit and the fans are grateful for him only because he's a tank tool.

JDLR is a bust lol

 

[Hfbsux]

Thing is though he is almost 24 now and he wasn't developing into anything. He was known for his defensive skill but he never really matured them at an NHL level. He's got 7 points in 40 games in Detroit and the fans are grateful for him only because he's a tank tool.

JDLR is a bust lol

Not sure if Montreal has a scout especially for Swedish players. I remember reading somewhere that he almost had a heart attack when we picked Romanov instead of Olofsson but was relief that he was still available at 56. Here are the swedish picks from the last years:

2018 - 56th - Olofsson (not developping as expected in his D+1 year, still way too early to have a verdict on him yet)
2016 - 187th - Henriksson (bust - but he was a 7th rounder)
2015 - 87th - Vejdemo (pick was considered a reach, doing ok in Laval - maybe we could have picked him later?)
2013 - 34th - JDLR (fringe starter - see bust)
2012 - 33rd - Collberg (bust!)
2012 - 154th - Nystrom (bust... late pick)
2011 - 113th - Nygren (bust)

I'm not sure I'd keep him around.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Not sure if Montreal has a scout especially for Swedish players. I remember reading somewhere that he almost had a heart attack when we picked Romanov instead of Olofsson but was relief that he was still available at 56. Here are the swedish picks from the last years:

2018 - 56th - Olofsson (not developping as expected in his D+1 year, still way too early to have a verdict on him yet)
2016 - 187th - Henriksson (bust - but he was a 7th rounder)
2015 - 87th - Vejdemo (pick was considered a reach, doing ok in Laval - maybe we could have picked him later?)
2013 - 34th - JDLR (fringe starter - see bust)
2012 - 33rd - Collberg (bust!)
2012 - 154th - Nystrom (bust... late pick)
2011 - 113th - Nygren (bust)

I'm not sure I'd keep him around.

Olofsson is a big dude and can play a physical game in our bottom 6. He's likely not going to be a top 6 forward but I would not devalue him cause he might be a solid #3C. Might end up being our replacement to Danault. Maybe not. We have to wait. Not all Swed picks we take will end up the same.

I'm not expecting him to be an offensive type player.

 

[Harry Kakalovich]

Thing is though he is almost 24 now and he wasn't developing into anything. He was known for his defensive skill but he never really matured them at an NHL level. He's got 7 points in 40 games in Detroit and the fans are grateful for him only because he's a tank tool.

JDLR is a bust lol

I like DLR but he is what he is. I wouldn't call him a bust. He's actually panned out pretty well for where he was picked.

Thing is, I don't think he's as good a defensive player as he needs to be. Obviously he's not a great offensive player and so people tend to believe he's a good defensive player, but I don't think he's an above average NHL defensive forward.

It also does not look like he will play center. So he's basically a 4th line LW.

But I still like him. I hope he continues to carve out a place in NHL lineups.

Olofsson I do believe will play center.

 

[Schwang]

Thing is though he is almost 24 now and he wasn't developing into anything. He was known for his defensive skill but he never really matured them at an NHL level. He's got 7 points in 40 games in Detroit and the fans are grateful for him only because he's a tank tool.

JDLR is a bust lol

I was saying the same things when everyone was complaining that they got rid of him. I even said id be surprised to see him on Detroits roster next year. However, a few posters felt he was setting in nicely and would be there long term and that we shouldnt have let him go. Man, some people over value these guys big time!
See Fucale and McCarron as prime examples. Oh, and Beaulieu!

 

[Hfbsux]

Olofsson is a big dude and can play a physical game in our bottom 6. He's likely not going to be a top 6 forward but I would not devalue him cause he might be a solid #3C. Might end up being our replacement to Danault. Maybe not. We have to wait. Not all Swed picks we take will end up the same.

I'm not expecting him to be an offensive type player.

I see it the same way, but we would lie to ourself if we say he progessed like he was supposed to in his D+1 year. He might be our replacement to Danault, or he might be the replacement for JDLR. Looking like the latter so far, again too soon to tell. But this is what I'm questionning about this scout:

"We couldn't believe that he was still available. Our Swedish scout was going to fall off his chair. He would have strangled me if we didn't pick him." - Timmins

Seems like he put a lot of pressure to pick a guy solid all around with big offensive flaws in the 2nd round. Not a good feeling about that scout.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I see it the same way, but we would lie to ourself if we say he progessed like he was supposed to in his D+1 year. He might be our replacement to Danault, or he might be the replacement for JDLR. Looking like the latter so far, again too soon to tell. But this is what I'm questionning about this scout:

"We couldn't believe that he was still available. Our Swedish scout was going to fall off his chair. He would have strangled me if we didn't pick him." - Timmins

Seems like he put a lot of pressure to pick a guy solid all around with big offensive flaws in the 2nd round. Not a good feeling about that scout.

Players that slip (DLR and Olofsson) slip for a reason. There was offensive concerns. Both had NHL size bodies and you hope they mature and are able to play on the 3rd line.

At certain points in the draft, I have no problem taking Olofsson. I think the key here is the Habs had three 2nd round picks. They had options to go after dark horse picks (Romanov), speedy winger with goal scoring ability (Ylonen), and the NHL size body who plays center pick (Olofsson).

I just wonder who we take if we only had one 2nd round pick.

 

[Schwang]

Not sure if Montreal has a scout especially for Swedish players. I remember reading somewhere that he almost had a heart attack when we picked Romanov instead of Olofsson but was relief that he was still available at 56. Here are the swedish picks from the last years:

2018 - 56th - Olofsson (not developping as expected in his D+1 year, still way too early to have a verdict on him yet)
2016 - 187th - Henriksson (bust - but he was a 7th rounder)
2015 - 87th - Vejdemo (pick was considered a reach, doing ok in Laval - maybe we could have picked him later?)
2013 - 34th - JDLR (fringe starter - see bust)
2012 - 33rd - Collberg (bust!)
2012 - 154th - Nystrom (bust... late pick)
2011 - 113th - Nygren (bust)

I'm not sure I'd keep him around.

Agreed. Our Swedish drafting has been utter garbage since Kjell Dahlin for gods sake. I cant remember a decent Swede since him. Maybe Lumme but he was traded before becoming decent. Theyre really missing the boat there and i dont get why.

 

[Harry Kakalovich]

Agreed. Our Swedish drafting has been utter garbage since Kjell Dahlin for gods sake. I cant remember a decent Swede since him. Maybe Lumme but he was traded before becoming decent. Theyre really missing the boat there and i dont get why.

Hopefully they continue to do a Euro development camp. That seemed to help last draft. I think Nygren was a pretty good pick but he was an overager. We'll see - the key is that the scouting team all communicate well with each other and get on the same page.

 

[Harry Kakalovich]

I see it the same way, but we would lie to ourself if we say he progessed like he was supposed to in his D+1 year.

He's playing a league up. Last year he was in Swedish-2 this year he's in Swedish-1. I think he's progressing OK. Next year will be the bigger test.

 

[malton]

Nygren was not a bust. He would be a legit NHLer if he came over and stayed.

 

[Schwang]

Hopefully they continue to do a Euro development camp. That seemed to help last draft. I think Nygren was a pretty good pick but he was an overager. We'll see - the key is that the scouting team all communicate well with each other and get on the same page.

I think they shouldve at lesst tried Nygren in the nhl. He did have an attitude though (it seemed). He doesnt seem to be overly concerned abput playing over here anyway.

 

[EXPOS123]

Agreed. Our Swedish drafting has been utter garbage since Kjell Dahlin for gods sake. I cant remember a decent Swede since him. Maybe Lumme but he was traded before becoming decent. Theyre really missing the boat there and i dont get why.

I would argue our entire European scouting has been garbage, not just Sweden. Who was the last European that we drafted that was a star in the league - Markov? Kostitsyn and Emelin were useful players but other than that.....sheesh.

Before anyone mentions Kotka, he was a no brainer. And don't say Lehks - he is well on his way to being another one of our ever growing list of 3rd and 4th line ceiling prospects. Also, I am not ready to jump on the Ylonen and Romanov bandwagon just yet cuz i remember hearing the same overating that happened when we drafted Nattinen and Valetenko.

 

[Hfbsux]

He's playing a league up. Last year he was in Swedish-2 this year he's in Swedish-1. I think he's progressing OK. Next year will be the bigger test.

I'm aware and I agree, next year will tell us more about the kid. Gonna be his 2nd WJC too. But I'd be lying if I'd say I've been impressed with his play in my viewings. He needs to step it up in the next years, let's see if he does.

 

[Le Barron de HF]

Not sure if Montreal has a scout especially for Swedish players. I remember reading somewhere that he almost had a heart attack when we picked Romanov instead of Olofsson but was relief that he was still available at 56. Here are the swedish picks from the last years:

2018 - 56th - Olofsson (not developping as expected in his D+1 year, still way too early to have a verdict on him yet)
2016 - 187th - Henriksson (bust - but he was a 7th rounder)
2015 - 87th - Vejdemo (pick was considered a reach, doing ok in Laval - maybe we could have picked him later?)
2013 - 34th - JDLR (fringe starter - see bust)
2012 - 33rd - Collberg (bust!)
2012 - 154th - Nystrom (bust... late pick)
2011 - 113th - Nygren (bust)

I'm not sure I'd keep him around.

I sort of see where you're coming from but I'm not entirely sure I would agree with you. The 2013 draft was overhyped in hindsight and as a result not too many NHLers blossomed in the second round so DLR is not a clear loss IMO (although you can criticize the organization for making these kind of picks; the opposite of a homerun swing). Collberg on the other hand was a homerun swing type of pick. Again, 2012 drafted sucked for forwards. Nygren I think could have worked out for us (he was pretty solid in the AHL and close to a call up before getting injured) but other factors came into play here (homesickness, not liking Hamilton & Sly). But yeah I guess one should ask themselves if it's time for a change when a lot of these picks have bad luck attributed to them. It's easy to justify late picks not working out but top 90 is different. Rockstrom seems to have been getting a paycheque for his name and past contributions as of late (Hes only in charge of SWE IIRC).