Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson were once teammates with the Buffalo Sabres and after day one of training camp they feel their chemistry will replicate with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson were once teammates with the Buffalo Sabres and after day one of training camp they feel their chemistry will replicate with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson were once teammates with the Buffalo Sabres and after day one of training camp they feel their chemistry will replicate with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Eichel and Olofsson had two of their best statical seasons playing together during the 2019-20 season. Eichel set a career-high in goals with 36 and recorded 78 points in 68 games. Olofsson recorded his first 20-goal season of his career while adding 42 points in just 54 games. Unfortunately for the Sabres, Eichel suffered a major neck injury the following year and then requested a trade when and the team couldn't agree on which surgery Eichel should do.
Olofsson's time with the Sabres was inconsistent but his highs were enough for the Golden Knights to take a chance on him. He had back-to-back 20-goal seasons before notching just seven goals last year.
The Golden Knights paired the two together for the first day of training camp and GM Kelly McCrimmon stated that Olofsson will get the first crack on Eichel's right wing.
Olofsson spoke to the media following practice and discussed what the chemistry between the two felt like.
"I felt great chemistry right away," said Olofsson. "It’s nice to get that first practice out of the way. We ran some good plays, I felt some chemistry there with Barbashev as well so that was a fun practice."
The 29-year-old Swedish winger was also asked about Eichel's skill set and what he is as a player. For the Golden Knights to be successful, they're going to have to rely on him more than they ever have before. Olofsson believes Eichel has the talent and work ethic to do so.
"You obviously see it right away the skill he possesses. It’s just incredible to see, his work ethic too is really up there so it’s real fun."
HC Bruce Cassidy said that he wants his group to be the best defensive team in the Pacific Division but to win games the Golden Knights are still going to need to score goals. A lot of the weight will be left on Eichel's shoulders and Olofsson will be a key figure in helping him carry it.
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