Tobias
Registered User
Wise decision, much better for his development i guess. I think he will do quite well in NA with his speed and goal scoring ability.
RW Oliver Bjorkstrand (2013, 89th, CBJ)
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Jamie Benn
NHL Draft Enthusiast
Jevo
Registered User
- Oct 3, 2010
- 3,509
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No, and he is quite small, 5'11 and 157 lbs. But that is one of the reasons why I think going to Portland was a good idea. Despite playing against men last year, it's gonna be very different for him in terms of physical play. The Danish league is not very physical, so going to a place where the rink is smaller and the opposition will play much more of a hitting game will help him develop. It will probably not make him much more physical, but it will make him learn how to play his game in a different physical setting.
He will probably need a bit of an adaption period in the start of the season, but as it rolls around I think he'll show his real skills. Other than that I agree with what Tobias said.
Valdemar
Danish junior hockey
- Oct 6, 2007
- 484
- 122
Oliver has had a really good pre-season it seems.
He ended as the teams leading scorer, with 4 goals and 3 assists in 4 games. His four points in the last pre-season game tied him for the WHL lead in pre-season scoring, and he is (of course) the highest scoring rookie.
Not bad for a 17 year old who still need some time adjusting to the smaller surface and more physical NA-play.
With a little luck he could be a PPG player this season.
A couple of articles where he is mentioned:
http://www.winterhawks.com/article/hawks-finish-preseason-with-6-3-win-over-seattle/126575
http://www.oregonlive.com/hawks/index.ssf/2012/09/despite_lofty_predictions_wint.html
He ended as the teams leading scorer, with 4 goals and 3 assists in 4 games. His four points in the last pre-season game tied him for the WHL lead in pre-season scoring, and he is (of course) the highest scoring rookie.
Not bad for a 17 year old who still need some time adjusting to the smaller surface and more physical NA-play.
With a little luck he could be a PPG player this season.
A couple of articles where he is mentioned:
http://www.winterhawks.com/article/hawks-finish-preseason-with-6-3-win-over-seattle/126575
http://www.oregonlive.com/hawks/index.ssf/2012/09/despite_lofty_predictions_wint.html
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He was good in the training camp I was able to make it to. He shoots the puck a lot. Very good instincts in that regard. Getting pucks to the net is rarely a problem for coaches. Will be interested to see his defensive game but his offensive skills are plentiful. Look forward to watching him a ton this season. I think Seth Jones is going to bring a lot of exposure to the Winterhawks other draft eligibles this season.
Rolen
Mikael Ferlund
I like how he wears Bartschi's old #27. Hopefully him and Rattie have the same type of chemistry.
Hansen
tyler motte simp
R S
Registered User
- Sep 18, 2006
- 25,466
- 10
Saw him for the first time last night. Clearly a skilled kid. Reminds me a bit of a guy like Patric Hornqvist.
Overall I thought he was too soft for my liking, but he definitely is a skilled kid who should put up some strong numbers this season for the Hawks.
Overall I thought he was too soft for my liking, but he definitely is a skilled kid who should put up some strong numbers this season for the Hawks.
I agree he won't be the most physical, but he only is 175 currently. I would like to see how he plays when he is closer to 190.
R S
Registered User
- Sep 18, 2006
- 25,466
- 10
Weight doesn't change physicality, effort level, mindset and drive changes physicality.
Agreed, I was talking about being pushed off the puck in the corners or infront of the net sort of toughness from weight.
Justinov
Registered User
Great start for Oliver Bjørkstrand for Portland. 3 games, 3 goals and 2 assists. 8'th overall in WHL for points and best rookie.
Even his older brother Patrick is doing well in Mora in Sweden where Anze Kopitar really seems to also fire up. Patrick Bjørkstrand has 5 matches, 2 goals and 1 assist (Anze Kopitar has 2 matches, 1 goal and 4 assists).
Even his older brother Patrick is doing well in Mora in Sweden where Anze Kopitar really seems to also fire up. Patrick Bjørkstrand has 5 matches, 2 goals and 1 assist (Anze Kopitar has 2 matches, 1 goal and 4 assists).
Was in Moose Jaw the other night watching them face the Winter Hawks. I was super impressed with Bjorkstrand, he plays a very cerebral game. He's an intelligent and creative passer who always seemed to make the right play. He was fine in his own end, even showing some serious compete to win battles. It appeared he was getting top 6 minutes with some power play time too.
Justinov
Registered User
Good to hear a recent update of his game.
It seems that it was a good choice and right moment to change to North America. If he continues with developing his playmaking skills and point production a late 1 round draft pick or second round seems not at all impossible. His small size though might decrease his ranking somewhat if we compared with Nicklas Jensen.
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