In the end, Oskar Olausson only played 22 games in a Barrie Colts uniform, producing at more than a point-a-game clip.
The 19-year-old Swedish winger was traded to the Oshawa Generals on Thursday afternoon in exchange for 18-year-old German winger Kevin Niedenz and several draft picks, including second- and third-round picks in 2022, a sixth-round selection in 2023, and a third-rounder in 2024.
Last June, in the second round of the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft, Barrie selected Olausson with the 118th pick.
Olausson, who was a first-round pick (28th overall) of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche in 2021, had 12 goals and 13 assists in 25 games with Barrie. He also played in two games with Team Sweden at this year's World Junior Championships before the tournament was cancelled, scoring one goal and adding an assist.
“We would like to say thank you to Oskar for his time here in Barrie. He has been a great teammate for all that he has done and we wish the best of luck moving forward with Oshawa,” Colts head coach and general manager Marty Williamson said on the team's website.
Meanwhile, coming back to the Colts in the deal is Niedenz, who is in his first year in the Ontario Hockey League. He had one goal and six assists in 20 games with Oshawa. He also has a minus-13 rating.
“Kevin is a two-way forward with speed that will be an impactful forward in our lineup," Williamson said. "We are excited to add him to our club and expect him to make his Colts debut on Saturday versus North Bay."
On Wednesday, the Colts also dealt 20-year-old winger Nicholas Porco to the Owen Sound Attack for a fifth-round pick in 2022 and a 12th-round selection in 2023. The Sault Ste. Marie native had nine goals and four assists in 19 games this season with Barrie.
“This is one of the harder things to do, but unfortunately it is a numbers issue as we are only allowed to carry three (overagers)," Williamson said. "We just want to say thank you to Nick for always being a great teammate during his time here in Barrie and wish the best moving forward with Owen Sound."
The Colts are scheduled to host the North Bay Battalion on Saturday night at Sadlon Arena.
