TheSan Jose Sharks made a notable move to reshape their forward group, acquiring a former first-round pick in a one-for-one swap. The club announced the deal on Friday, sending promising winger Danil Gushchin to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Oskar Olausson, a 22-year-old Swedish forward with both NHL and AHL experience.
The trade comes as part of San Jose’s broader strategy to inject youth and upside into their rebuilding roster. While both players have seen limited NHL time, their respective performances in the AHL signal untapped potential at the highest level.
Olausson was selected 28th overall by Colorado in the 2021 NHL Draft and spent most of last season with the Colorado Eagles, logging 11 goals and 15 assists in 61 games.
Who is the forward joining the Sharks from Colorado?
Oskar Olausson is a 6-foot-2 winger from Stockholm, Sweden, known for his offensive tools and international pedigree. In 2023–24, he finished ninth in goals for the Eagles and contributed three assists in seven Calder Cup Playoff games. He also saw brief NHL action, skating in two games with the Avalanche.
Since arriving in North America, Olausson has tallied 66 points (33 goals, 33 assists) across 163 AHL contests. Additionally, he represented Team Sweden at the 2021 and 2022 World Junior Championships, where he helped capture bronze in the latter tournament.
What does Colorado get in return?
Heading the other way is Danil Gushchin, a Russian-born winger who’s shown strong scoring touch in the AHL. Gushchin, 23, posted 70 goals and 80 assists across 182 games with the San Jose Barracuda and added five points in 18 NHL appearances for the Sharks.
While smaller in stature at 5-foot-8, Gushchin compensates with quickness and a creative offensive game. He was originally selected by San Jose in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft (76th overall).
SURVEY What impact do you think this trade will have on the Sharks’ lineup this season?
What impact do you think this trade will have on the Sharks’ lineup this season?
already voted 3 fans
What’s next for both players?
Both Olausson and Gushchin will look to crack their new clubs’ NHL lineups this fall. For the Sharks, adding Olausson aligns with their focus on long-term development, while Colorado adds a skilled forward who may be better suited to help immediately in a depth scoring role. The deal represents a fresh start for two talented young players—and a calculated bet by both franchises.