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Columbus Blue Jackets: Bjorkstrand Re-Signed, Ready to Explode in 18-19

By Lansing Murphy |
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) reacts after scoring a game tying goal in the third period against the Washington Capitals on April 21, 2018, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-3 in overtime.(Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) reacts after scoring a game tying goal in the third period against the Washington Capitals on April 21, 2018, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-3 in overtime.(Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets re-signed winger Oliver Bjorkstrand as he is primed for a huge year in 2018-2019.

Oliver Bjorkstrand was the last of the restricted free agents to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer. His three year deal will carry a $2.5 million annual cap hit. The contract is a steal for the squad considering that Bjorkstrand is poised to take his game to the next level in 2018.

Bjork’s first full season in the NHL was a complete success. The 23-year-old had 11 goals and 29 assists and played in all 82 regular season games. In the postseason he added a goal and two assist in the Jackets six games.

Bjorkstrand bounced up and down the lineup and played with a multitude of different players as the Jackets dealt with injuries all year. As one of the only dependable healthy players, Bjorkstrand played well with any line mates and had a great first full season.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

GM Jarmo Kekalainen was impressed as well. He, like all Columbus Blue Jackets fans, are high on the future of Bjorkstrand. In speaking to Brian Hedger, Kekalainen said,

“He is just scratching the surface of the type of player he can be and we believe he has the potential to be a dynamic offensive player for our club.”

Even though his 17-18 campaign was a success, Bjorkstrand was a bit unlucky and not used as much as he should be. Even though he was always healthy and produced, Bjorkstrand saw his average ice time reduced to just 14:18 per game. That is two minutes less than Boone Jenner and a minute less than Brandon Dubinksy. Bjork’s playing making ability and scoring touch call for him to get more than ice time than either of those two players and he should expect more ice time next year.

He also had a low shooting percentage this year. His 6.7% shooting percentage is lower than the league average. It doesn’t take a veteran scout to realize that Bjork has an above average shot and a great sense for scoring. Even if he had a 10% shooting rate, which is a conservative number for Bjorkstrand, he would have scored six more goals this year.

Another important point to keep in mind is that Bjorkstrand had this productive year not only in his first full season in the NHL, but he did most of it at even strength. Bjorkstrand was a second unit power play guy that only averaged 1:46 in power play ice time this year. Imagine his production if he can crack the top unit power play. That may happen too if the Jackets trade away Artemi Panarin.

Next: Keep these 6 thing in mind when thinking about Panarin

The potential ceiling for Oliver Bjorkstrand is still not known but it’s not crazy to think he can have a couple of 30 goal seasons and average 55-65 points a year. Even if he is a 40 point scorer a season over the next three years, $2.5 million a year is a steal. But it’s clear that Bjorkstrand is just getting started and with a bit more luck and some proper ice time, he will explode next season.

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