Toggle sidebar

RW Oliver Bjorkstrand (2013, 89th, CBJ)

  • Xenforo Cloud has upgraded us to version 2.3.6. Please report any issues you experience.
  • We are currently aware of "log in/security error" issues that are affecting some users. We apologize and ask for your patience as we try to get these issues fixed.
anthonyovitt said:
Another goal and 3 assists tonight.
Click to expand...

He has been on an absolute tear since the beginning of the WJC. Now has highest PPG in WHL. Also got the GWG in Denmark's first WJC win. I have a hard time believing there is a better forward in the WHL. On pace for another 50 goal season (40 goals in 44 games).

Very excited to see how his progression into the pros goes. I would expect to be a dominant player in the AHL next year, possibly seeing some call-up duty. Despite his weight, he looks pretty strong on the puck, and displays pretty good defensive instincts. But his awareness, use of subtle movements, puck control, and shooting are exceptional. He never looked out of place in the pre-season with the Jackets. I don't think it will be too long before he is a 50+ point player in the NHL.
 
CoachWithNoTeam said:
He has been on an absolute tear since the beginning of the WJC. Now has highest PPG in WHL. Also got the GWG in Denmark's first WJC win. I have a hard time believing there is a better forward in the WHL. On pace for another 50 goal season (40 goals in 44 games).

Very excited to see how his progression into the pros goes. I would expect to be a dominant player in the AHL next year, possibly seeing some call-up duty. Despite his weight, he looks pretty strong on the puck, and displays pretty good defensive instincts. But his awareness, use of subtle movements, puck control, and shooting are exceptional. He never looked out of place in the pre-season with the Jackets. I don't think it will be too long before he is a 50+ point player in the NHL.
Click to expand...

How high do you think his ceiling is? He's on the lighter side but lately it's been apparent that size isn't as important as once believed (although it still helps). Is he creating a lot of offense on his own or does he have someone else on his line helping him?
 
hockeey said:
How high do you think his ceiling is? He's on the lighter side but lately it's been apparent that size isn't as important as once believed (although it still helps). Is he creating a lot of offense on his own or does he have someone else on his line helping him?
Click to expand...

I think his ceiling is extremely high. As high as any Blue Jackets prospect since Johansen. I wouldnt be surprised to see a few 60-70 point seasons. All of his offensive skills are elite, with his shooting being his strong-suit.

Does he create his own offense? I think this is the question that caused him to slip into the late 3rd. He has been playing on a great Portland team for three years. When he was drafted he was on the 3rd line, a lot of the time with Leier and De Leo, with Seth Jones and Pouliot on D. The last two years he has been paired with Nic Petan, and recently Paul Bittner. Petan and Bjorkstrand were both top 3 in points in the WHL last season. This season, most of Portland's production has dipped, but Bjorkstrand's has kept pace with last year.

And even in the WJC he was paired with Ehlers - and the two of them dominated. The point totals don't look crazy on paper, but the two of them were creating chances almost every shift even against the best teams.

He has six shorthanded goals on the season, most of which have been individual efforts, and some have been very impressive. On powerplays, he is the trigger man. On defense, he will lie down and block shots. He seems like the complete offensive package. I believe his speed and acceleration have gotten so much better since his draft year.

Draft Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhYkagpjHiA

This Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUvVmnlLzfY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nQwHXkgPmU
 
Remember thinking he was a little perimeter in his draft year but he has really evolved, I see a bit of Eberle in his game.
 
CoachWithNoTeam said:
Does he create his own offense? I think this is the question that caused him to slip into the late 3rd. He has been playing on a great Portland team for three years. When he was drafted he was on the 3rd line, a lot of the time with Leier and De Leo, with Seth Jones and Pouliot on D. The last two years he has been paired with Nic Petan, and recently Paul Bittner. Petan and Bjorkstrand were both top 3 in points in the WHL last season. This season, most of Portland's production has dipped, but Bjorkstrand's has kept pace with last year.
Click to expand...

It is just crazy how stacked that Portland team was. Leier has become a very good NHL prospect in his own right, certainly would be drafted higher today than he was.
 
Looks like he's really coming along. How does he compare to Milano in terms of offensive potential and the likliness he translates his success to the NHL?
 
Damn, reading this thread gets me pumped for the future. Bjorkstrand on Johansen's wing in a year or two could be deadly. Good to hear Oliver doing well, especially considering the Jackets' depth at RW is complete and utter dog ****
 
hockeey said:
Looks like he's really coming along. How does he compare to Milano in terms of offensive potential and the likliness he translates his success to the NHL?
Click to expand...

Two different players offensively — Milano being of the Pat Kane mold and Bjorkstand.. I don't know, maybe I'll get crucified but I see a pint-sized Ovechkin in his game. I know, I know. Those comparisons are obviously over their respective potentials, but stylistically that's what I see.

I personally think Bjorkstrand is our most promising prospect. Kid has absolutely no pressure on him and will have ample time to gain weight and develop in Springfield.
 
Ludicrous Speed said:
Two different players offensively — Milano being of the Pat Kane mold and Bjorkstand.. I don't know, maybe I'll get crucified but I see a pint-sized Ovechkin in his game. I know, I know. Those comparisons are obviously over their respective potentials, but stylistically that's what I see.

I personally think Bjorkstrand is our most promising prospect. Kid has absolutely no pressure on him and will have ample time to gain weight and develop in Springfield.
Click to expand...
I think you hit the nail on the head, weight is the only thing holding him back (so far) and i dont see it really being a problem once he gets to the pro level and can focus solely on gaining weight while not losing his speed and agility.
 
hat trick tonite.

49 goals in 49 games. Goals in 11 straight games.

Frankly, not a lot of prospects I would take before him.
 
I really like Bjorkstrand.

I'd love to have him in the Jets' system to play with Petan and/or Ehlers in the future.
 
ZeroPT said:
The 3rd round in 2013 is going to be absolutely legendary
Click to expand...

Interesting how many teams seem to be tossing away picks in the first 3 rounds in this year's draft, which is expected to be on par with 2013.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Ad

Ad

Top Bottom