More than three hours after the NHL began Friday night, the Avalanche finally made its first-round pick and chose Swedish forward Oskar Olausson at No. 28.
Olausson, 18, played for two professional leagues in Sweden last season, producing a combined six goals and 10 points in 27 games. He also played juniors for HV 71 Jr., where he contributed 27 points (14 goals) in 16 games.
“He fits our identity. We’re a team where, obviously, speed and skating is a big piece for us,” Avs director of amateur scouting Wade Klippenstein said of Olausson. “Very good skater.