Speaking of Olofsson, his camp had to be intrigued by the two-year, $7.4 million deal that Dominik Kubalik signed with Chicago. Kubalik had 30 goals and 46 points while Olofsson had 20 goals and 42 points. They’re the same age (25), born roughly a month apart. Olofsson’s base salary before bonuses last season was just $700,000 (Kubalik’s was $832,500), and the Sabres better to be ready to at least quadruple that.
Happy anniversary, Sabres
It was easy to forget because they just went through the 50th anniversary season, but Saturday was actually the 50th anniversary of the Sabres’ first game, a 2-1 win in Pittsburgh over the Penguins at the old Civic Arena.
The game-winning goal was scored by Gilbert Perreault with 8:34 left in the third period after defenseman Jim Watson scored the franchise’s first goal in the second period. Roger Crozier stopped 35 of 36 shots.
No contract talks yet for Ovi
The Washington Post reported Friday that the Capitals are tabling contract talks with Alex Ovechkin until training camp. The Great Eight turned 35 last month and is entering the final season of the now-outlawed 13-year, $124 million contract he signed in 2008. As he has for the seventh straight year, he will make $10 million and carry a cap hit of $9,538,462.