Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW
Shoots: R	Height: 6-0	Weight: 177
Born: 1995-04-10	Hometown: Henning, DEN	Drafted: 2013 by Columbus Blue Jackets, 89th Overall

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observations:

December 2017 – Like some of his promising young teammates, Bjorkstrand has served at times in a bottom-six NHL role this year that doesn't reflect his scoring skill. He still has made his mark on the stat sheet however, with 16 points (five goals and 11 assists) in 30 contests while shifting linemates frequently, and serving on the power play with two goals and two assists on the man advantage. He looks to be on the big club to stay and is making the most of his opportunity in a variety of roles. That bodes well for the 22-year-old who should grow into an even more dangerous scoring presence as he gains experience. Kevin Wickersham

 

Spetember 2017 – With a second period goal assisted by phenom Vitali Abramov, Bjorkstrand registered what would eventually be the deciding score along with two hits and a blocked shot in the Blue Jackets' first preseason win, a 3-2 effort versus Chicago. Second only to Alexander Wennberg among Columbus forwards in ice time with 19:15, Bjorkstrand added 2:43 on the man advantage and 1:17 killing penalties. Considered by many the top true prospect in the CBJ system, he seems to have a clear path to at minimum third-line right wing duty when the season begins, perhaps next to Pierre-Luc Dubois.  Kevin Wickersham

 

June 2017 – Oliver Bjorkstrand is possibly the best prospect in the Columbus pipeline. When given the chance to demonstrate his skills in the NHL, he has shown that he only needs more experience. Bjorkstrand put up 6-7-13 in 26 games at the NHL level last season. There is every reason to believe he could stick with Columbus full-time in 2017-18. Mark Hinrich

 

September 2016 – Following his 2015-2016 season with Lake Erie of the AHL, it wouldn’t be a stretch to argue that Oliver Bjorkstrand could be the top prospect in the entire Columbus Blue Jackets system.  At just 21 years old, Bjorkstrand lead the Calder Cup Champion Monsters in scoring with 10 goals and six assists for 16 points in just 17 games. The young Danish forward’s play was so impressive that he earned Calder Cup Playoff MVP honors.

Columbus is a team in the early stages of a near complete rebuild and are very clearly in need of firepower in their Top six. Bjorkstrand can provide that firepower and has enormous potential as a breakout player for the 2016-2017 season if he manages to earn that role. Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has long been labeled as a bench boss who prefers defensively responsible veterans but his penchant for giving high end talent Top six minutes when it is earned is very often overlooked.  Erik Scheifer

 

May 2015 – Bjorkstrand is proving to be a third-round steal. Since being drafted in 2013, he has put up 109 (2013-2014 in 69 games) and 118 (2014-2015 in 59 games) points for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. In this season’s WHL playoffs, Bjorkstrand netted 13 goals and 12 assists in 17 games. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to get past the Kelowna Rockets, who are now battling for the WHL’s title. At the 2015 WJCs, he compiled five points in as many games for Denmark’s U20 squad. It’ll be interesting to see if Bjorkstrand can impress enough at training camp to make the jump to the NHL. Chances are, with the plethora of talent upfront for the Jackets, he spends next year in the AHL.  – Chris Bagwell

 

October 2014 – Bjorkstrand was returned to the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, following training camp. Here, he looks to develop and improve on his 109-point campaign from last year. He was outplayed by Wennberg for a roster spot, but expect Bjorkstrand to begin his professional career next season, either in the AHL or NHL. Chris Bagwell

 

December 2013 – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed their 2013 5th round selection, Oliver Bjorkstrand, to a three-year entry level contract. As of the 2013 Christmas break, Bjorkstrand has 25 goals and 31 assists for 56 points in 32 games. Brendan Ross

 

April 2013 – A top tier player in his home country of Denmark, Bjorkstrand was a 1^st round selection of the Portland Winterhawks WHL) and did not disappoint as he scored at a point-per-game pace. Bjorkstrand has come to the right place as the Winterhawks organization as the franchise  has an uncanny ability to churn out top tier prospects for the NHL draft. Oliver Bjorkstrand definitely has all the tools to be a high draft pick, the issue is his size and he is not overly physical, but has good scoring prowess. Bjorkstrand could do with some added weight and muscle to his meager frame. He has not had trouble fighting through the tough areas in junior hockey but pro could be a whole different animal. Bill Kellett

 

 

Fantasy Outlook: A-

Bjorkstrand is one of Columbus' top propects and appears to have a prolific NHL career as a dangerous right wing in front of him. 

 

 

Footage:

2012-2013 WHL Highlights:

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