Colorado Avalanche Trade Overview
On July 25, 2025, the Colorado Avalanche made a significant move by trading forward Oskar Olausson to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for fellow forward Danil Gushchin.
About Danil Gushchin
Gushchin, a 23-year-old Russian native from Yekaterinburg, was selected by the Sharks in the third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, being the 76th overall pick. He made his first appearance in the NHL during the 2022-23 season against the Arizona Coyotes and has since played in 18 NHL games, with 12 of those occurring in the most recent season.
Initially, Gushchin began the previous season with the Sharks, participating in all nine games in October before being assigned to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. He received two additional call-ups, one in November against the Vancouver Canucks and another towards the end of the season to compete in the final two matches. Throughout his time with the Sharks, Gushchin registered his only NHL point—an assist—during a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory over the Utah Mammoth.
Performance in the AHL
In the AHL, Gushchin found more success, appearing in 56 games for the Barracuda, where he amassed an impressive 51 points (28 goals and 23 assists), ranking third on the team in total points and second in goals. He also contributed to the Barracuda’s playoff run, netting one goal in four Calder Cup Playoff games.
Playing Style
Gushchin stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds, and is known for his tenacity on the ice. His playing style involves aggressive back-checking and he often acts as an additional defenseman during transitions. His smart forechecking strategy includes deceptive plays by faking shots or passes, allowing him to gain separation through quick acceleration.
About Oskar Olausson
In contrast, Oskar Olausson, the trading counterpart in this deal, was drafted by the Avalanche 28th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. During his tenure with Colorado, he managed to get into four NHL games. Last season, he played 61 games with the Colorado Eagles in the AHL, producing 26 points with 11 goals and 15 assists.
Conclusion
As the Avalanche continue to shape their roster, the acquisition of Gushchin marks a notable development in their lineup strategy. Fans can stay informed and follow the latest news on the Avalanche through various channels, including The Hockey News and social media updates from reporters covering the Colorado hockey scene.
