Oliver last played for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the IHL (who are to join the AHL as an expansion team in 2001-02). His team-leading eight playoff points (six goals, two assists) took his team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Griffins were downed 2-4 by later Turner Cup Winner Orlando Solar Bears.
He appeared in a total of 51 regular season games for the Griffins last season and also played six games for Grand Rapids´ NHL affiliate Ottawa Senators.
Barons Head Coach Sean Simpson scouted Oliver during the IHL playoffs. At 6’0’’, 190lbs (183cm/86kg), Oliver also brings some physical presence to the DEL.
Added Barons teammate Mike Kennedy on Thursday: "He´s a good powerplay scorer. That should help us a lot."
David Oliver was drafted 144th overall in the 1991 Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. In 1994-95, he scored 16 goals (10 power play) and 14 assists in 44 games. Through a career-high 80 games in 1995-96, he tallied career-bests with 20 goals, 14 power play goals, 19 assists, and 39 points. In 1996-97, David notched one goal and two assists in 17 games for the Oilers. On Feb. 21, 1997, the New York Rangers claimed him on waivers. Through 14 games with the Rangers, David tallied two goals and one assist. On July 2, 1998, he signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Senators. He is now a member of the Phoenix Coyotes, signing as a free agent with the team on July 20, 1999. In 1998-99, David scored two goals and totaled seven points in 17 games with Ottawa and suited up for 37 games with Houston of the IHL (35 points). In 1999-2000, David played nine games for the Coyotes potting one goal. David signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Senators on August 2, 2000. At the 2000 Senators' Super Skills event, David won the shot accuracy competition with a perfect four targets on four shots.
Prior to making his professional debut, David played four seasons at the University of Michigan of the CCHA. From 1990-94, he recorded 107 goals and 98 assists in 152 games for the Wolverines. In 1992-93, he registered a career-high 35 goals. Through 41 games in 1993-94, David notched career-bests with 40 assists and 69 points. He also won a CCHA championship that season. In 1994-95, he played 32 games with Cape Breton of the AHL, scoring 11 goals and 18 assists.
David was born in Sechelt, British Columbia/Canada, 17 April 1971. He owns a BA from the University of Michigan and his greatest hockey memory is his first NHL game with the Edmonton Oilers. He also was a member of the Houston Aeros Turner Cup Championship Team in 1999. His hockey idol as a youth was Guy Lafleur, his favorite hockey coaches Red Berenson and Dave Tippet. Hobbies include playing golf and watching movies.
