Kasper Björkqvist

October 2020 – So far Bjorkqvist is playing quite well with KooKoo, having put up four goals and five assists for nine points in eight games played. Once NHL training camps startup, expect Bjorkqvist to come back to North America. Clare McManus

August 2020 – The Penguins have loaned Bjorkqvist to KooKoo of the Liiga. Bjorkqvist will get an early start to the season, as North American leagues are delayed due to COVID-19. Clare McManus

February 2020 – After missing Pittsburgh’s annual off-season development camp while recovering from shoulder surgery, the young forward is expected to be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Bjorkqvist needed surgery after being hurt in a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton practice. He had one goal in six AHL appearances. Mark Allan

September 2019 – Björkqvist was one of 17 players assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL in the second round of cuts from Pittsburgh’s training camp. The 22-year-old has two more seasons on his entry-level deal. Mark Allan

June 2019 – Björkqvist is sitting out Pittsburgh’s annual off-season development camp while he recovers from shoulder surgery. Mark Allan

April 2019 – From nine to 23 to 30, Bjorkqvist’s points totals at Providence College have risen steadily, although he didn’t experience the junior offensive breakout that many skilled prospects experience. As such, his production ceiling might not be overly high, although a responsible game, good size and speed, physical maturity and a combative streak have him well-positioned to become a pro. Mark Allan

February 2019 – The young Finnish sniper continues to develop a scoring touch as a junior with Providence College. Bjorkqvist’s 13 goals and 11 assists give him one more point in 32 games than he had last season in eight more outings. If the Penguins feel he’s ready for the AHL, they’ll offer him a pro contract. If not, he’ll marinate in his senior NCAA year. Mark Allan

December 2018 – Continuing the offensive development of his first two seasons with Providence College (nine points in 30 games, followed by 23 points in 40 outings), Bjorkqvist amassed seven scores and six helpers in his first 15 appearances of 2018-19. Having already almost matched his six assists from last season, the sniping winger seems certain to top his previous best of 16 goals. The Penguins are surely encouraged. Mark Allan

May 2018 – After an unimpressive 30-game, nine-point North American debut with Providence College, the versatile wingman potted 16 goals and added seven assists in 40 games as a sophomore. That was a bit of a throwback to his 28-goal, 66-point, 45-game finale in Finland’s Junior A SM-Liiga. Not known as an offensive dynamo in international play, the sturdy (6-1, 198) and determined Finn projects as a tenacious bottom-sixer once he leaves the NCAA. Mark Allan

January 2018 – The young Finn is making progress as a sophomore with Providence College, totaling seven goals and 10 points in his first 21 games. That compares favorably to three scores and nine points in 30 games as a freshman. Mark Allan

October 2017 – After acclimating to North America with a three-goal, nine-point, 30-game campaign with Providence College, the determined Finn has four goals in his first five outings as a sophomore. The Penguins, who drafted him in the second round, hope he’ll pot some for them down the road. Mark Allan

June 2017 – The jury remains out about how much of the young Finn’s junior scoring prowess in his homeland will translate into the North American pro game. Going the NCAA route is a canny choice to ease his transition. In 30 games for Providence College, he had three goals and six assists with eight PIMs and plus-2 as a freshman. He’s coachable, so we’ll see how his collegiate numbers progress. Mark Allan

January 2017 – The promising winger is off to an underwhelming start in his North American debut with a goal and two assists in 13 games for Providence College. He contributed just a goal and an assist in six WJC games but managed to be plus-3 during Finland’s nightmarish tournament. Pittsburgh is no rush for him so Björkqvist has time to incubate in the NCAA. Mark Allan 

July 2016 – The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Björkqvist with their second pick in the 2016 NHL draft. He had a true breakthrough season for Blues U20, being named the best forward and player of the Finnish U20 league. He scored 28 goals and finished second in points with 66. Björkqvist was an important penalty killer on the gold-winning Finnish team at the world junior tournament in Helsinki, showing plenty of character and a high compete level. Björkqvist is a versatile right wing who plays a dependable two-way game all over the ice. He’s a strong player, extremely effectively winning puck battles at the junior level. He’s consistently involved in the play, not taking shifts off. He’s a strong skater with pretty quick first steps and a powerful stride, which allows to drive to the net with authority. His offensive skill set features a quick wrist shot and good hands in tight. He will play for Providence College this season. Björkqvist plays a North American style of game and will have no trouble adapting to the smaller ice. Marco Bombino