With the Columbus Blue Jackets looking to reload and revamp their offensive identity heading into the 2025–26 season, attention has naturally turned to the free agent market. One name that continues to emerge as a tantalizing option is Swedish sniper Victor Olofsson—a player who could bring instant scoring touch and power-play prowess to a Blue Jackets team that has long struggled to light the lamp consistently.
Olofsson, coming off a solid but under-the-radar stint with the Buffalo Sabres, enters free agency as one of the more intriguing value wingers available. While he hasn’t always garnered national attention, his track record speaks volumes. He boasts one of the most dangerous shots in the league, particularly on the man advantage, and he’s proven capable of hitting the 20-30 goal mark even when playing limited minutes.
For the Blue Jackets, the appeal is clear. This team desperately needs secondary scoring—players who can change a game with a single shift, particularly from the wings. Olofsson fits that mold to perfection. Plugging him into Columbus’s top six could immediately ease the burden on players like Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine, who have been forced to carry an uneven scoring load the past two seasons.
Imagine a power-play unit with Olofsson on the half wall, Gaudreau feeding him from the flank, and Fantilli driving the net. That’s a setup that would finally give Columbus fans something to cheer about after years of power-play frustration. Olofsson has made a career out of capitalizing on those exact looks—and in a bigger role, with more minutes, he could flourish in ways we haven’t seen yet.
Beyond just scoring, Olofsson brings professional polish. At 29, he’s right in his prime and has experienced both the highs and lows of the NHL grind. His discipline, calm demeanor, and steady play could help stabilize a Jackets offense that too often appears chaotic and disjointed. He won’t be a vocal locker room leader like Toews, but he’ll set the tone through consistent performance.
There’s also the contract angle. Olofsson is unlikely to command a long-term megadeal, which works in Columbus’s favor. They can offer term and a prominent role—two things that many contending teams might hesitate to put on the table. It’s the kind of opportunity that makes sense for both sides: Columbus gets a sniper entering his prime, and Olofsson gets a fresh start with more offensive freedom and responsibility.
The Blue Jackets need more than just feel-good stories this offseason. They need goal scorers. They need players who can change games. They need someone with the ability to create offense even when the team isn’t clicking. Victor Olofsson fits that description perfectly.
This move wouldn’t just signal progress—it would declare intent. It would tell the league that Columbus is ready to get serious. To stop treading water and start building something real.
If Jarmo Kekäläinen and the front office are looking to make a low-risk, high-upside splash this summer, they won’t find many better options than Victor Olofsson. This is the kind of signing that turns games. And possibly, a season.
Stay locked in, CBJ Nation. The next wave of talent might be closer than we think.