Victor Olofsson finished his first month of professional North American hockey as a league leading scorer, earned an AHL player of the week honor and capped it off being named AHL player of the month.

“Its an honor,” Olofsson said after practice on Friday morning. “I’m very happy and it’s the kind of start I wanted over here so I’m happy and excited.”

The 23 year old forward is in his first season of American League hockey but he’s not a rookie. Olofsson played 200 games played in the Swedish Elite League before coming to North America. He had a league leading 27 goals last season in Sweden. Olofsson is a seasoned professional hockey player that knows how to play the game and quickly adjusted to the smaller ice surface.

In 10 games played he has 5G+10A with nine of those 15 points coming on the power play. The way he has played, passed and found ways to shoot the puck are all signs that he’s a unique player. He’s had help on the power play paired up with Zach Redmond and Lawrence Pilut creating a lethal trio.

When asked if he expected to have this kind of start he said, “Maybe not. I knew I had to be a little bit patient and learn the game how its played over here. I didn’t think it would go as good as it has but I’m excited to keep it going.”

“It means a lot, I think its a reflection of everybody on our team,” Chris Taylor said when asked about the award. “Those types of awards are great for an individual but shows a reflection of who he’s playing with on a line, who he’s on the power play with and how well we’re doing as a team. He’s doing a great job in doing what he’s doing especially coming over from Sweden.”

Taylor added, “Hopefully another player or him gets the award next month because then again its a reflection of our team and how we’re doing.”

Olofsson appreciates how everyone from North American has taken care of the guys from Sweden getting adjusted and answering any questions. He also said, “Great group of guys who have a lot of fun together and I’m excited to keep on working with them.”

Read more about Olofsson in this feature here…

The last time a Buffalo Sabres prospect won AHL player of the month honors was in January 2011 when Mark Mancari had 13G+8A in 15 GP w/ the Portland Pirates. Prior to that they had an AHL rookie of the month award go to Luke Adam for October 2010 w/ 6G+7A in 9GP.

In the current affiliation era between the Sabres and Amerks the only monthly award winner was David Leggio earning goalie of the month honors in March 2013.