First Look: Oskar Olausson

This is the (very much delayed) fourth and final in a series of in-depth profiles covering each member of the Colorado Avalanche 2021 draft class. The entire series can be found HERE.

Not only is Oskar Olausson the Colorado Avalanche’s top prospect from the 2021 draft selected at 28th overall but he has a strong case as the top prospect in the organization. As a great skater with a large frame and a smooth as silk shot Olausson reminds of his countryman Andre Burakovsky. Filling the net is exactly what Olausson does as he recognizes his talent at shooting with a high volume but has the talent to convert.

Olausson is a six-foot-two and 181 lbs left shot winger who recently completed his 19-year old season in North America. Born in Stockholm, Sweden he grew up in the HV71 system and Olausson made his debut on the men’s team in his draft year season. TSN’s Bob McKenzie had Olausson ranked 34th and NHL Central Scouting pegged him at 13th for International skaters.

After the Avalanche acquired him there were several options as to where Olausson could play in the 2021-22 season and after signing his Entry Level Contract in early August it was clear that Sweden wasn’t going to be the location. Despite a strong showing at Avalanche training camp where he scored a couple goals in preseason he was sent to begin the season with the Barrie Colts in the OHL where he scored 25 points in 22 games.

A midseason trade sent Olausson to the Oshawa Generals where he scored 24 points in 33 games. There clearly was an adjustment period after the trade and Olausson’s best moments came in streaks. There was also the abruptly cancelled World Junior Championship Olausson had to deal with after he had already scored a goal for team Sweden. However Olausson is at camp with the team again and should be able to participate in the redo coming up on August 10th.

As a 2002 born player Olausson should be ready for the North American pro game in the this coming season as he already got his feet wet with the Colorado Eagles when the middling Generals didn’t go deep into the playoffs. There he made his professional and AHL debut as he got in four postseason games and provided two assists before the Eagles bowed out of the playoffs in the second round.

The AHL is likely where Olausson is ticketed next year but another impressive training camp might afford him an opportunity with the Avalanche sooner than later.