Name: Dylan Olsen

Team: Camrose Kodiaks(AJHL)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 195 lbs.

2008-2009 Stats: 53 games, 10 goals, 19 assists, 29 points

Prospect Info:

Dylan Olsen is a rare player in that he chose to play in the AJHL, a league usually reserved for older players trying to earn an NCAA scholarship, as a 17-year-old. Usually players of his talent are snapped up quickly by the WHL. He was a 4th round selection of the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft, but never chose to go that route. Instead, he drew the attention of the scouts as one of the youngest, most talented players in the Tier II league.

He drew the attention of numerous schools, before eventually deciding on the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he should have the opportunity to step in right away next season and contribute in all situations. This spring, he was the only non-CHL player to be selected to Canada's World U18 Championships team, and was one of the team's top defensemen.

Links of Interest:

Hockey's Future feature November 2008

UMD Lands Star Defenseman February 2009

NHL.com Draft Profile

On WCH...

April 8, 2009: Dylan Olsen (23, Minnesota-Duluth commit): Coming into this tournament, Olsen was considered maybe a late first round pick. After this tournament, he should make a huge move up into at least the middle of the first round. He was far and away Canada's best defenseman, probably their best player, and maybe the most solid defenseman in the tournament. He scored a powerplay goal in each game, both on huge one-timers from the point. He's got great quickness and agility that allow him to make sharp turns and skate away from pressure. He's very physically mature and can throw his weight around. The good news for Duluth fans is that he's looking like the favorite for WCHA Rookie of the Year next season. The bad news is that he's probably only a 1-2 year player for the Bulldogs.

Final Projection

Olsen may be a bit of a sleeper in this draft, having played in the AJHL, but his performance at the World U18 Championships had to have impressed scouts. His combination of size and skill will probably get him drafted into the 20-30 range in the first round, and after a year or two in Duluth, he should be ready to contribute at the next level. Olsen's toughness and skill will allow him to play in all situations, meaning he will someday be logging a lot of icetime for whichever team drafts him.