Forward Linus Olund is expected to remain in Sweden next season, likely ending his time as a Penguins prospect, according to a report from Swedish reporter Johan Svensson.
Svensson reports that Olund has agreed to terms for a contract extension with Swedish club Brynas IF, believed to be for three seasons. Because Olund is still under contract with the Penguins this season, Svensson believes that the extension will not be announced until the NHL season is officially over.
Olund, 22, was the Penguins' fifth-round pick in 2017. He moved to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the 2018-19 season, where he recorded six goals and nine assists in 61 games. He primarily played a fourth-line role and was a healthy scratch at times. The following summer, the Penguins loaned Olund back to Brynas.
Andreas Dackell, the sports director for Brynas, said last summer that he believed Olund’s game was not suited for the fourth-line, defensive, checking role he was given in Wilkes-Barre, and that playing in Sweden was good for his development.
“They see development opportunities and potential in him and think it is good that he can come here and develop in an environment where he has done well before,” said Dackell. “We are extremely grateful that we will get him here.”
Olund scored four goals and 10 assists in 49 games for Brynas this season, primarily playing on the third line.
