The Minnesota Wild acquired Olausson from the San Jose Sharks on October 17, 2025, for defenseman Kyle Masters. Olausson is a former first-round pick (28th overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2021 NHL Draft.

In what could be considered a change of scenery, it is more of an indictment of how low Olaussons’ value may be in the NHL at the moment, considering that the return for San Jose is a depth defenseman. The Sharks are moving on from Olausson less than three months after acquiring him from the Avalanche.

For the Minnesota Wild, this should be considered a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. Olausson was sent to Minnesota’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Iowa Wild, as they will not rush him to the NHL and let him develop in their system. In his first three games with Iowa, he has produced four points (one goal and three assists).

Olausson is still considered a skilled offensive winger who can provide secondary scoring, skates well, and has middle-six potential with power play usage. Do not give up on him yet; he is a hold in dynasty leagues and still carries some intrigue for fantasy owners willing to be patient. Now would be a good time to inquire with the disgruntled Olausson owner in your fantasy league and try to acquire him. He could be a low-risk, high-reward investment if he earns a call-up to the NHL this season and can take the next step toward becoming a full-time NHL player during the 2026-27 season.

Olausson has been traded to San Jose. This is slightly surprising with a new AHL coach coming in who could have potentially unlocked Olausson in a way his previous coach didn’t, but a fresh start and a new opportunity will be good for the former first-round pick. His 2025-26 upside is likely still as a call-up option even with an overall weaker NHL lineup in California.