The Penguins have signed center Linus Olund to a three-year, entry-level contract, they announced today.
Olund was the Penguins fifth round draft pick in 2017. He spent this season in the SHL, the top Swedish league, with Brynas IF.
Olund, a native of Gävle, Sweden, is probably further along than the other members of his draft class. He was a bit of a late bloomer, and was drafted at 20 years old after going undrafted in his first two years of eligibility. When he was drafted, the Penguins saw him as a potential future two-way bottom-6 center.
“He had a really good playoff and a really good second half in the Swedish pro league,” Penguins director of amateur scouting Patrik Allvin said after the Penguins drafted Olund. “Half a point per game in the playoffs and he had a key role there starting off as a fourth-line center. Really took a big step in the second half, so we’re excited about him and he’s going to have a big role in Brynas next year as well.”
In addition to his defensive play, Olund has been praised for his hockey sense and ability to read the play. He’s able to get off to a fast start in his skating, but slows down after that.
He finished the regular season seventh on Brynas IF in scoring, with eight goals and 15 assists in 51 games. In the postseason, he scored two goals and three assists in eight games to tie for second in team scoring.
The contract doesn't begin until next season, but Olund also signed an amateur tryout contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and will report there for the remainder of the season.
Wilkes-Barre currently trails the Charlotte Checkers 0-2 in their best-of-5 first-round series. They must win their home games on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday to advance.