Eurolanche

Olver heading to Russia

Mark Olver, who spent the season playing for the Lake Erie Monsters in the AHL, is heading overseas. The 26-year-old center agreed to a contract with KHL’s Sochi Leopards, one of three expansion teams for the upcoming season. Olver appeared in 65 regular season games for the Monsters this year, registering 49 points (15 goals and 34 assists). Olver was picked 144^th overall by the Avalanche in 2008 and has appeared in 74 NHL games so far, putting up 22 points (10 goals and 12 assists).

Olver had his debut in the NHL during the 2010-11 season, appearing in 18 games for the Avalanche. Avs fans noticed Olver during the 2011-12 season, as Olver became a fan-favorite thanks to his hard work and grinding style of play. His chances of sticking around in the NHL were hampered by the arrival of center John Mitchell. Olver was supposed to be this year’s 4^th line center, but things changed with the arrival of Marc-Andre Cliché and Olver was sent down to the Monsters. Olver didn’t receive a call-up this year and opted not to sign a new contract with the Avalanche and instead decided to find a new employer. 

Sochi also signed other players with NHL experience, including a surprising signing of ex-Red Wings center Cory Emmerton. Former NHL goalie Michael Leighton signed a contract on the same day (27^th May) as Olver.