Colorado Avalanche draft Oskar Olausson 28th overall

The Colorado Avalanche have drafted right winger Oskar Olausson with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft on Friday night. Olausson comes from the HV71 program in Sweden. Olausson is considered a relatively low-ceiling middle six forward with shooting upside and speed.

Scouting Reports

“Olausson’s ridiculous season in the J20 Nationell (27 points in 16 games) is just one of several examples why he is considered a first-round candidate. He’s an excellent penalty killer and inside player who spent the second half of the season playing adults in [both] the Allsvenskan and SHL, where his dangerous speed and lethal wrist shot earned him respect.”—Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst” [via All About the Jersey]

“That can still be fine as long as the effort is always there, but there are times when Olausson just doesn’t seem to feel it and doesn’t engage. A highly talented player with great physical tools but with a seemingly low motor needs to be so superior in his skill level that it doesn’t matter if he takes some time off every now and then. So far in his career, Olausson is not on that level of excellence.” [Habs Eyes on the Prize]

“What stands out immediately is Olausson’s stickhandling. He’s clever with the puck and is capable of dancing through defenses with his stickhandling and strong stride. He can accelerate to top speed quicker than his competition, allowing for the potential for a dangerous forecheck presence.” [Canes Country]

The Nashville Predators selected him 18th overall in the SB Nation mock draft last week and was ranked somewhere within the low 20s by all the drafting sites.

“Among draft-eligible skaters in the J20 Nationell this season, Olausson was first in primary points-per-game (1.44) and first in even-strength primary points-per-game (0.75). In his limited SHL play—where he averaged just over nine minutes of ice time per night—he was second in both those categories behind William Eklund, a likely top-five pick.” [On the Forecheck]

“Olausson is solid enough defensively to not be considered a liability in his own end. He’s a well-rounded player with experience playing on the penalty kill and power play. The most common critique of Olausson is that he struggles to utilize his teammates and can get burned trying to make the highlight reel play. Turnovers are an issue in his game, and some scouts question his ability to see the ice and make plays.” [Jackets Cannon]

Hopefully this is a well-rounded look at the player the Avs hope to see in their lineup in a few years. Welcome to the organization!