Blackhawks Select F Frederik Olofsson
With the 98th overall selection in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks select Frederik Olofsson.
Frederik Olofsson, LW
6-1, 185
Chicago (USHL)
DOB: 05/27/1996
24 games, 4 goals, 11 assists
Olofsson, 18, is committed to Colorado College. During the 2013-14 season, he tallied 21 points (6G, 15A) in 52 regular-season games split between the USHL’s Chicago Steel and Green Bay Gamblers. The Helsingborg, Sweden, native posted two goals and four assists in 28 games to open the season with the Gamblers and added 15 points (4G, 11A) in 24 games with the Steel. He recorded a season-long four-game point streak (3G, 3A) from Feb. 15-22 with Chicago, including a season-best three points (2G, 1A) and +4 rating on Feb. 22 vs. Muskegon. Olofsson recorded one assist in four games at the 2013 Under-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament.
Yet another great pick…he’s big value here…Olofsson has the kind of frame that can really add the muscle, so in another few years this kid could be 6’2″ 220 lbs. He’s got speed, skill and will take the body…he just needs to become a rounded 2 way forward…going to a good programme as well.
First 4 picks all playing in the US this fall
Stan Bowman: “No, I won’t listen to offers for Saad and Teravainen” Bowman said at the NHL draft Saturday. “Part of the reason we’re able to reach the level that we have as a team and sustain it is we’ve kept our young players, and we’re not going to change that philosophy. They’re too important to what we’re doing. It would be detrimental to them. Not only are they young, but they’re talented players. It would be hard to replace their ability as well their age and contract status and all that.”
H4N, the reason that’s such a telling quote is the inclusion of their CONTRACT STATUS, these are players that will be stars in time, but their rights are controlled and at reasonable rates…just look at Nick Leddy who has already had a contract extension. This is what all the moaning/crying fans need to remember…if you want to lock up your “core” for the long term, it comes with a price…the Hawks have no other options but to promote from within and/or sign aging vets to fill out the roster. This is exactly why taking the draft seriously and getting it right is so key. Just look at the Hawks 2011 draft…that draft could outfit us for the next 5 years…how many teams can say that? Pittsburgh?
Agreed Sr. Brad.
Dahlbeck, Johns, and Clendening on Defense and Smith, Kruger, Morin, Nordstrom, Teravainen, Danault, McNeill, will be key for the Hawks going forward as cheap but quality replacements for the Hawks secondary players/veterans. Not to mention other possibilities like Carey, Van Reimsdyk, Rasmussen, Ross, Hartman, Fournier, etc. Blackhawks have a lot of quality prospects knocking on the door in the not-too-distant future.
Bollig is gone, as I (and others) predicted. I’d like to see Roszival ($2.2M)& Versteeg ($2.2M) follow him out of town. The Hawks would be better served replacing them from the players above. Oduya at $3.375 and Sharp at $5.9 could be moved as well if it means the Hawks getting Stasny at 2C (which could reduce JT & PK’s asking price per previous reports) or as a precursor to a trade for a top C (Thornton, Spezza, etc.)
H4N I agree with everything you said and the players you listed. And I agree that moving Oduya and Sharp to make room for Stastny would be the right thing to do. Bowman said yesterday that the missed on one piece they wanted to add, but that doesn’t mean they are done…he will continue to make calls to see if they can strengthen the team…I would take this to mean the 2nd Centre spot, and that they don’t feel that TT will be ready to take that role come Oct. And this isn’t a bad thing for TT…when he’s ready the Hawks can always have him claim the 3rd Centre role as Kruger’s 4th line is your defensive “shut down” group anyways…the Hawks can afford to have TT centre a 3rd line.