Oliver Bjorkstrand

Last updated

Oliver Bjorkstrand
Bjorkstrand in 2022.jpg
Bjorkstrand with the Kraken in 2022
Born (1995-04-10) 10 April 1995 (age 29)
Herning, Denmark
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 174 lb (79 kg; 12 st 6 lb)
Position Right wing
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams		 Seattle Kraken
Herning Blue Fox
Columbus Blue Jackets
National teamFlag of Denmark.svg  Denmark
NHL Draft 89th overall, 2013
Columbus Blue Jackets
Playing career 2011–present

Oliver Bjorkstrand (born 10 April 1995) is a Danish professional ice hockey forward for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Bjorkstrand was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third round, 89th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Bjorkstrand is the son of American hockey coach Todd and the brother of Patrick.

Contents

Born and raised in Herning, Bjorkstrand made his AL-Bank Ligaen debut playing with the Herning Blue Fox during the 2011–12 season. He recorded 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 36 games during his rookie season to lead all 16-year-olds in the league in scoring. As a result, he was selected 26th overall by the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League (WHL) 2012 Import Draft. He spent three seasons with the Winterhawks before beginning his professional career with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League.

Early life

Bjorkstrand was born on 10 April 1995, in Herning, Denmark, [1] to parents Todd and Janne. His father, an American citizen, is a former professional hockey player and coach. [2] His older brother Patrick also plays ice hockey. [3] Bjorkstrand was born and raised in Denmark, where he played under the tutelage of his father until he was 17 years old. [4]

Playing career

Junior

Bjorkstrand made his AL-Bank Ligaen debut playing with the Herning Blue Fox during the 2011–12 season. [1] He recorded 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 36 games during his rookie season to lead all 16-year-olds in the league in scoring. As a result, he was selected 26th overall by the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League (WHL) 2012 Import Draft. [5] He subsequently joined the team for their 2012–13 season. By December, Bjorkstrand ranked fourth among all WHL rookies with 27 points and was invited to participate in the 2012 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. [6] Following the game, Bjorkstrand earned a top 30 mid-term ranking from the NHL Central Scouting Bureau leading up to the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. [7] He later recorded his first major junior hat-trick during a 7–0 win over the Tri-City Americans. [8] He ended his rookie regular-season campaign leading all WHL rookies with 31 goals and 63 points in 65 games. [9] Bjorkstrand then shared the team's Rookie of the Year award with Seth Jones [10] before leading all rookie skaters with 19 points in 21 playoff games. [9]

Following his rookie season, Bjorkstrand was drafted 89th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. [9] On 26 December 2013, during his second season with the Winterhawks, Bjorkstrand signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets. At the time of the signing, he had tallied 25 goals and 31 assists for 56 points in 32 games. [11] By March 2014, Bjorkstrand became the second Winterhawk player in three seasons to reach the 50-goal plateau after recording his fourth hat-trick in one season. [12] As a result, he finished the regular season third in scoring with 109 points and was selected for the WHL Western Conference All-Star First Team. [13] Bjorkstrand then helped the Winterhawks win their fourth straight WHL Western Conference Championship [14] by recording 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points through 14 games. [15]

Bjorkstrand finished his third and final season with the Winterhawks increasing his scoring and offensive ability. During the 2014–15 season, Bjorkstrand led all WHL players in goals and points to earn the Bob Clarke Trophy as the league's leading scorer. [16] He recorded 50 goals in 50 games to become the first WHL player to accomplish the feat since the 2011–12 WHL season. Bjorkstrand also became the first Winterhawk to complete back-to-back 50-goal season since Dennis Holland from 1987-89. He was subsequently unanimously selected to the WHL's Western Conference First All-Star Team, while his teammates voted him the Winterhawks' Most Valuable Player. [17]

Professional

Columbus Blue Jackets

Bjorkstrand with the Lake Erie Monsters in 2016. Oliver Bjorkstrand (39868689154).jpg
Bjorkstrand with the Lake Erie Monsters in 2016.

Following his career-high third season campaign with the Winterhawks, Bjorkstrand joined the Blue Jackets' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters, to begin the 2015–16 season. [18] In his first professional season, Bjorkstrand recorded 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points before being recalled to the NHL on 16 March 2016. [19] He made his NHL debut the following day in a game against the Detroit Red Wings [2] and scored his first and second NHL goals in his second game against the New Jersey Devils. [20] He finished the regular season with the Blue Jackets, recording four goals and eight points in 12 games [1] before returning to the AHL for the franchise's first Calder Cup playoff appearance since 2011. [21]

Upon returning to the AHL, Bjorkstrand helped the Monsters sweep the Rockford IceHogs in the first round by scoring 19 seconds into the third period of Game 4. [22] In Game 1 of the following series against the Grand Rapids Griffins, Bjorkstrand recorded the overtime game-winning goal to lead the Monsters to a win. [23] With assistance from his offensive ability, the Monsters qualified for the Calder Cup Finals against the Hershey Bears where he scored the game-winning goal in the final seconds of overtime in Game 4. This effectively won the Calder Cup for the Monsters, and Bjorkstrand also earned the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the playoffs' most valuable player. [24]

Following the Calder Cup win, Bjorkstrand entered training and development camp with high expectations of making the Blue Jackets' 2016–17 opening night roster. During camp, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen spoke highly of him, saying: "He's not a big guy, but he's not afraid to play the North American style at all ... it speaks to his character. I love the chip on his shoulder and the way he plays and competes." [25] He was named to the teams' opening night roster but was reassigned to the Cleveland Monsters after playing in three games. [26] During his time in the AHL, Bjorkstrand was also selected for the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic roster. [27] Aside from an emergency call-up in December, [28] he would stay with the Monsters until February after scoring 14 goals and 12 assists in 37 games. [29] Upon returning to the NHL level in February 2017, Bjorkstrand recorded 13 points in 26 games and the move was praised by management as the best move made around the trade deadline. [30] In March, Bjorkstrand was sidelined for six games [31] after suffering a hit from Toronto Maple Leafs player Roman Polak, who was subsequently suspended for two games. [32] He returned to the lineup on 4 April 2017 where he had one shot in 14:12 of ice time in a 4–1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. [31]

Bjorkstrand entered the final year of his entry-level contract playing the full 2017–18 season with the Blue Jackets at the NHL level. Throughout the season, he played mainly on the third or fourth line and was tasked with a checking role. [33] Following the acquisition of Thomas Vanek in February, Bjorkstrand played on a line with Nick Foligno and Sonny Milano. [34] He set a new career-high during the season by recording 11 goals and 29 assists for 40 points in 82 games. His numbers ranked fourth in assists and sixth in points across the Blue Jackets skaters. [35] As the Jackets qualified for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, he recorded three points in six games. [1] He finished the 2017–18 season by signing a three-year contract extension through the 2020–21 season on 15 July 2018. [35]

In the first year of his new contract, Bjorkstrand began studying the playing style of teammate Artemi Panarin, who had a similar build to him. [33] [36] He began the season slow, only scoring three goals in his first 30 games and was made a healthy scratch. [37] After sitting out for four games, head coach John Tortorella returned him to the lineup on 29 November 2018, to replace a "banged up" Anthony Duclair. [38] Following this, he picked up his scoring and had five goals and nine points through the month of February and recording nine goals in the last 10 games of the regular season. [37] As a result, he finished the 2018–19 season with 23 goals and 36 points for his first 20-goal season. [33]

The following year, Bjorkstrand continued his offensive output and was praised by defenseman Zach Werenski for being "a guy that you can count on in every situation". [39] He was moved across various lines throughout the season as Tortorella struggled to finding a suitable center for both Bjorkstrand and Patrik Laine. [40] After recording 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points through 36 games, he was placed on injured reserve in December 2019 after suffering a rib/cartilage contusion with oblique strain during a game against the New Jersey Devils. [41] Upon returning to the lineup, Bjorkstrand continued his offensive streak and led the team with 21 goals and tied for third with 36 points before being injured on 20 February during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. [39] As a result of the injury, Bjorkstrand remained out of the lineup until the Blue Jackets qualified for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. [42] Bjorkstrand and the Blue Jackets met with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Eastern Conference Qualifying Round of the playoffs and beat them in five games. [43] During the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bjorkstrand tallied his first goal of the postseason in an eventual 3–2 loss in a five overtime game. The game was the longest game in franchise history and the fourth-longest in league history. [44] He shortly thereafter became the second active player to have each of his first three career playoff game-winning goals come against one opponent. [45] He also set a franchise record for most postseason game-winning goals. [46] The Blue Jackets were eventually eliminated from the playoffs in five games. [47]

Upon being eliminated from the playoffs, Bjorkstrand signed a five-year, $27 million contract extension on 6 January 2021 to remain with the Blue Jackets. [48] He scored his first goal of the season on 18 January 2021 against the Detroit Red Wings and added an assist and a fight for a Gordie Howe hat trick. [49] As the Blue Jackets pushed for a playoff position in March, Bjorkstrand recorded five goals and six assists for 11 points through 10 games. He also led the team with 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points. [50] In spite of this, Bjorkstrand and the Blue Jackets failed to qualify for the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. [51]

Prior to the start of the 2021–22 season, Bjorkstrand was named an alternate captain for the team alongside Werenski and Gustav Nyquist. [52] On 25 October, Bjorkstrand recorded his 100th assist to tie Jakub Voráček for 18th in franchise history at the century mark. [53] His scoring prowess continued and by 7 November he ranked third in franchise history for most points through 10 games. [54] He had accumulated five goals and eight assists to help the team tie their franchise record for the best start in history. [55] Later in December, Bjorkstrand joined Zach Werenski as the second Blue Jacket player to reach 200 points in the 2021–22 season. [56] However, shortly after reaching this milestone he was entered into the NHL's COVID protocol. [57]

Seattle Kraken

Bjorkstrand during a 2022 preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers. Bjorkstrand 2022 preseason.jpg
Bjorkstrand during a 2022 preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers.

On 22 July 2022, Bjorkstrand was traded to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for third-round and fourth-round picks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. In spite of his career season, Columbus' general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen explained that the trade was necessary in order to sign Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. [58] During the Kraken's preseason, Bjorkstrand earned some time on the teams' first powerplay unit and played alongside Matty Beniers and Ryan Donato. [59] However, as he struggled to score goals once the 2022–23 season began, Bjorkstrand was moved to the third line with Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde on November 13. He eventually snapped his 17-game scoreless drought during a win over the San Jose Sharks on 23 November. [60] By December 11, Bjorkstrand had accumulated three goals and 11 assists for 14 points through 27 games. [61] Later that month, Bjorkstrand and Daniel Sprong combined for the fastest two goals in Kraken history en route to a 6–5 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Their goals came within 10 seconds of each other early in the third period. [62] In early January 2023, Bjorkstrand and Gourde gained Eeli Tolvanen as their new linemate following his acquisition through waivers from the Nashville Predators. [63]

The Kraken qualified for the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, the first postseason appearance in franchise history, drawing the Colorado Avalanche, defending champions and the reigning Central Division winners, in the first round. The Kraken were considered significant underdogs going into the contest. [64] [65] However, the series proved unexpectedly competitive, with the Kraken taking the lead by Game 5. Bjorkstrand distinguished himself during the course of the series, scoring both Kraken goals in the team's clinching 2–1 victory in Game 7 to oust the Avalanche. [66]

On January 4, 2024, Bjorkstrand was selected as the main representative for the Kraken at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game for his All-Star debut. Unselected in the player draft, he was assigned to Team MacKinnon, and scored in the team's overtime loss to Team McDavid. [67]

International play

Bjorkstrand representing Denmark in 2013 Oliver Bjorkstrand, Denmark U20 - Latvia U20, 19.12.2013 in Sanok.jpg
Bjorkstrand representing Denmark in 2013

As a dual citizen of Denmark and the United States, Bjorkstrand has chosen to represent Denmark at international tournaments. [1] He represented Denmark for the first time internationally at the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships with his father serving as his head coach. [68] Bjorkstrand represented Denmark for the second time at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2015 after helping them qualify in 2014. [69] During the IIHF World Junior Championship, Division I, Group A tournament, he was named the tournament's Top Forward by the IIHF Directorate. [70] In the same year, Bjorkstrand also made his first senior appearance with the Denmark men's national ice hockey team at the 2015 IIHF World Championship at the age of 20 [71] alongside his brother Patrick. [72]

Bjorkstrand represented Denmark for the second time at the senior level at the 2018 IIHF World Championship. [73] During the tournament, Denmark beat Germany, Finland, Norway, and South Korea but lost to Latvia and missed out on the quarter-finals. [74]

On 8 October 2021, Bjorkstrand was one of three players named to Team Denmark's first-ever Olympic hockey team for the 2022 Winter Olympics. [75] When speaking of the opportunity, Bjorkstrand said: "It’s going to be tough task for us to go far, but it’s a huge honour for us to be there. We’re obviously going to do our best. And it’s always in the back of our heads that we can surprise a bit. We’re all super pumped." [76]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2010–11HerningDEN U171928265439—————
2010–11HerningDEN U201113619261780
2010–11Herning II DEN-2 —————10000
2011–12 Herning Blue Fox DEN 3613132610101234
2011–12Herning IKDEN-251230—————
2012–13 Portland Winterhawks WHL 653132631021811194
2013–14 Portland WinterhawksWHL69505910936211617338
2014–15 Portland WinterhawksWHL596355118351713122510
2015–16 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 124480—————
2015–16 Lake Erie Monsters AHL 511712291017106162
2016–17 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL266713650110
2016–17 Cleveland MonstersAHL371412266—————
2017–18 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL82112940961230
2018–19 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL772313368102350
2019–20 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL4921153612103030
2020–21 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL5618264423—————
2021–22 Columbus Blue JacketsNHL8028295716—————
2022–23 Seattle Kraken NHL8120254516144480
2023–24 Seattle KrakenNHL8220395912—————
NHL totals545151187338102451010200

International

YearTeamEventGPGAPtsPIM
2012 Denmark WJC 62020
2012 Denmark WJC18 64370
2013 DenmarkWJC D1A5382
2014 DenmarkWJC D1A54262
2015 DenmarkWJC54152
2015 Denmark WC 30002
2016 Denmark OLYQ 30110
2018 DenmarkWC71230
2021 DenmarkOLYQ33252
Junior totals27199286
Senior totals164594

Awards and honours

AwardsYear
WHL
First All-Star Team (West) 2013–14, 2014–15, [77] [17]
Top Scorer (Bob Clarke Trophy) 2014–15 [16]
WHL Plus-Minus Award 2014–15 [78]
AHL
Calder Cup (Lake Erie Monsters) 2016 [24]
Calder Cup MVP (Jack A. Butterfield Trophy) 2016
NHL
NHL All-Star Game (Seattle Kraken) 2024 [79]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Winterhawks</span> Western Hockey League team in Portland, Oregon

The Portland Winterhawks are a junior ice hockey team based in Portland, Oregon, playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL), one of three leagues making up the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Prior to the 2021–22 season, the Winterhawks split their home games between the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Moda Center, which they shared with the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Winterhawks have won the Ed Chynoweth Cup three times and the Memorial Cup twice in five appearances. The team has been in Portland since 1976–77.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kris Russell</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1987)

Kris Russell is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally drafted in the third round, 67th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and played four seasons with the team before moving on to the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. He has also played for TPS and Oulun Kärpät in the Finnish Liiga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaron Rome</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1983)

Aaron Rome is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently serving as a skills coach with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Rome was selected in the fourth round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Eberle</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Jordan Eberle is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger and alternate captain for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers and made his NHL debut with the Oilers in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nino Niederreiter</span> Swiss ice hockey player (born 1992)

Nino Niederreiter is a Swiss professional ice hockey winger for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected fifth overall by the New York Islanders in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, making him the highest-drafted Swiss hockey player in NHL history at the time. Niederreiter made his NHL debut with the Islanders early in the 2010–11 season before being returned to his junior club, the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Prior to coming to North America, Niederreiter had played in the junior system of the Swiss team HC Davos and appeared in three playoff games for the senior club in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Connauton</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Kevin Connauton is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 83rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Connauton has also played for the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, and Philadelphia Flyers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craig Cunningham</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Craig Alvin Cunningham is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played with the Boston Bruins and Arizona Coyotes in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Boston Bruins, 97th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, before being called up to the Bruins in December 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Johansen</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1992)

Ryan Johansen is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract to the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Growing up, he played minor hockey in the Greater Vancouver area until joining the junior ranks with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for one season. In 2009–10, he moved to the major junior level with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL). After his first WHL season, he was selected fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He would play five seasons with them before being traded to the Nashville Predators for Seth Jones in January 2016. Playing parts of eight seasons with Nashville, he was a key part of seven straight postseason berths for the Predators, including a trip to the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals. Nearing the end of his contract as the Predators declined, he was traded to the Avalanche in the 2023 offseason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Calvert</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1989)

Matthew Dean Calvert is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche during his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the fifth round, 127th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Murray</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1993)

Ryan James Murray is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Murray was drafted second overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Murray won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Dumba</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1994)

Mathew Dumba is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Dumba was selected with the seventh overall pick by the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, with whom he spent his first 10 seasons. Dumba previously played junior with the Red Deer Rebels and briefly for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seth Jones</span> American ice hockey player (born 1994)

Jared Seth Jones is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected fourth overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. After two seasons playing for the United States National Team Development Program, Jones joined the Western Hockey League's (WHL) Portland Winterhawks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derrick Pouliot</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1994)

Derrick Pouliot is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Dallas Stars in the National Hockey League (NHL). He has previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken and the San Jose Sharks. Pouliot was selected eighth overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Penguins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nic Petan</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1995)

Nicolas Petan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Petan was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the second round, 43rd overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boone Jenner</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1993)

Boone Robbie Jenner is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Paul Bittner is an American professional ice hockey Winger who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for Düsseldorfer EG of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Bittner has played major junior hockey with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Bittner was rated as a top prospect who was widely projected to be a first round selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He was, however, selected 38th overall, in the second round by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dennis Cholowski</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1998)

Dennis Cholowski is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Cholowski was drafted 20th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, and has also briefly played for the Washington Capitals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexander True</span> Danish ice hockey player (born 1997)

Alexander True is a Danish professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the Charlotte Checkers in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Ice hockey in Seattle, Washington includes professional teams as early as 1915, such as the Seattle Metropolitans, the first United States-based team to win the Stanley Cup. The city has been represented by various teams in the iterations of the Western Hockey League since 1944, of which the major junior Seattle Thunderbirds are the latest. Presently, the city has a National Hockey League franchise, the Seattle Kraken, who began play in the 2021–22 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trey Fix-Wolansky</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1999)

Trey Kieren Fix-Wolansky is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Oliver Bjorkstrand". Elite Prospects. Archived from the original on 15 July 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  2. 1 2 Mixer, Rob (17 March 2016). "Bjorkstrand's NHL debut a big deal for player, family and country". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  3. ↑ "Patrick Bjorkstrand". Elite Prospects. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  4. ↑ Fischer, Jim (14 January 2021). "Blue Jackets' Oliver Bjorkstrand feels at home in Columbus". Columbus Alive. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  5. ↑ "Hawks Make Two Picks In Import Draft". Portland Winterhawks. 27 June 2012. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  6. ↑ "Bjorkstrand, Petan Named To Top Prospects Game". Portland Winterhawks. 12 December 2012. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  7. ↑ "NHL Central Scouting Issues Mid-term Rankings". Portland Winterhawks. 15 January 2013. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  8. ↑ "Hat Trick and Shutout in 7-0 Win at TC Saturday". Portland Winterhawks. 26 January 2013. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 "Petan, Bjorkstrand, Burke Taken in NHL Draft". Portland Winterhawks. 30 June 2013. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  10. ↑ "Regular Season Ends With 6-1 Win Over Spokane". Portland Winterhawks. 17 March 2013. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  11. ↑ "Blue Jackets sign WHL standout Oliver Bjorkstrand to entry-level contract". National Hockey League. 26 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  12. ↑ "Bjorkstrand Hits 50 in 7-0 Win Over Seattle". Portland Winterhawks. 15 March 2014. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  13. ↑ "Three Hawks Make 1st All-Star Team; Two Up For Awards". Portland Winterhawks. 21 March 2014. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  14. ↑ "Hawks Win Fourth Straight Conference Title". Portland Winterhawks. 25 April 2014. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  15. ↑ "A Look At The 2014 WHL championship series". Portland Winterhawks. 29 April 2014. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  16. 1 2 Eide, Andrew (6 May 2015). "Breaking down the 2015 WHL Awards winners". Sportsnet. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  17. 1 2 "Oliver Bjorkstand Named WHL Player of the Year". Portland Winterhawks. 5 May 2015. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  18. ↑ "Blue Jackets reduce training camp roster to 35 players". National Hockey League. 25 September 2015. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  19. ↑ "Blue Jackets recall three players from Cleveland's Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)". National Hockey League. 16 March 2016. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  20. ↑ Foglia, Katie (20 March 2016). "Labatt Recap: Bjorkstrand, Blue Jackets defeat Devils". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  21. ↑ Brown, Tony (21 April 2016). "Korpisalo stops 28, Monsters open series with 5-2 win". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  22. ↑ Brown, Tony (24 April 2016). "Monsters sweep IceHogs, win first playoff series in team history". National Hockey League. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  23. ↑ Brown, Tony (6 May 2016). "Bjorkstrand's OT goal gives Monsters a 1-0 series lead". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  24. 1 2 Brown, Tony (12 June 2016). "Bjorkstrand's OT goal clinches Monsters' first-ever Calder Cup championship". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  25. ↑ Merz, Craig (7 August 2016). "Prospects could be indicative of Blue Jackets' bright future". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  26. ↑ "Sonny Milano recalled from Cleveland (AHL)". National Hockey League. 21 October 2016. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  27. ↑ "Forsberg named to AHL All-Star Classic roster". National Hockey League. 19 January 2017. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  28. ↑ "Oliver Bjorkstrand recalled from Cleveland (AHL)". National Hockey League. 9 December 2016. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  29. ↑ "Jackets add Oliver Bjorkstrand on emergency recall". National Hockey League. 14 February 2017. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  30. ↑ Lukan, Alison (1 June 2017). "Strong relationships a staple among Blue Jackets rookies". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  31. 1 2 Crosby, Wes (4 April 2017). "Penguins increase lead on Blue Jackets in Metro". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  32. ↑ "Maple Leafs' Polak barred 2 games for Oliver Bjorkstrand hit". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 23 March 2017. Archived from the original on 17 April 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  33. 1 2 3 Hedger, Brian (1 August 2020). "Oliver Bjorkstrand living up to hype that followed him from juniors to Blue Jackets". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  34. ↑ "Foligno out 2-4 weeks for Blue Jackets". National Hockey League. 26 March 2018. Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  35. 1 2 "Blue Jackets sign forward Oliver Bjorkstrand to three-year contract". National Hockey League. 15 July 2018. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  36. ↑ Portzline, Aaron (28 October 2021). "How Artemi Panarin left an indelible mark on Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand" . The Athletic . Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  37. 1 2 Svoboda, Jeff (29 May 2019). "Battalion Breakdown: Oliver Bjorkstrand". National Hockey League. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  38. ↑ "Nash notches goal and assist as Blue Jackets beat Wild 4-2". ESPN. 29 November 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  39. 1 2 "Bjorkstrand out 8-10 weeks for Blue Jackets with ankle injury". National Hockey League. 21 February 2020. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  40. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (24 March 2021). "Bjorkstrand's annual spring hot streak could be big for Blue Jackets". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  41. ↑ "CBJ place Bjorkstrand on IR, recall Gerbe from AHL Cleveland". National Hockey League. 22 December 2019. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  42. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (28 October 2020). "Battalion Breakdown: Looking at Oliver Bjorkstrand's season". National Hockey League. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  43. ↑ "Blue Jackets defeat Maple Leafs in Game 5, advance to Stanley Cup Playoffs". Sportsnet. 9 August 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  44. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (11 August 2020). "GAME 1 FINAL: Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2 (5OT)". National Hockey League. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  45. ↑ @PR_NHL (14 August 2020). "Oliver Bjorkstrand became the second active player to have each of his first three career playoff game-winning goals come against one opponent. The other: Derek Stepan, who scored each of his first three career game-winning goals against the Capitals" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  46. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (13 August 2020). "GAME 2 FINAL: Blue Jackets 3, Lightning 1". National Hockey League. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  47. ↑ "Lightning eliminate Blue Jackets with overtime win in Game 5". Sportsnet. 19 August 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  48. ↑ "CBJ sign RW Oliver Bjorkstrand to five-year contract extension". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  49. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (18 January 2021). "FINAL: Blue Jackets 3, Red Wings 2". National Hockey League. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  50. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (24 March 2021). "Bjorkstrand's annual spring hot streak could be big for Blue Jackets". National Hockey League. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  51. ↑ Gulitti, Tom (23 April 2021). "Blue Jackets miss playoffs due to center issues, defensive play". National Hockey League. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  52. ↑ "Jenner named captain of Blue Jackets, replaces Foligno". National Hockey League. 12 October 2021. Archived from the original on 12 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  53. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (25 October 2021). "SvoNotes: Hofmann headlines eventful night for Blue Jackets". National Hockey League. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  54. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (10 November 2021). "Bjorkstrand forcing NHL to take notice with hot start" . Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  55. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (7 November 2021). "SvoNotes: Blue Jackets' never-say-die attitude nets another win". National Hockey League. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  56. ↑ Svoboda, Jeff (12 December 2021). "SvoNotes: Blue Jackets find a way to win in Seattle". National Hockey League. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  57. ↑ Clay, Jarrod (27 December 2021). "Roslovic, Peeke, Carlsson clear COVID protocol for Columbus; Bjorkstrand enters protocol". ABC 6. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  58. ↑ "Bjorkstrand traded to Kraken by Blue Jackets". National Hockey League. 23 July 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  59. ↑ Condor, Bob (26 September 2022). "3 Game Essentials: Oilers at Kraken". National Hockey League. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  60. ↑ Shefte, Kate (25 November 2022). "Frustration ends for Oliver Bjorkstrand after career-long scoreless streak for Kraken". Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  61. ↑ Gulitti, Tom (12 December 2022). "Kraken making strides in 2nd NHL season". National Hockey League. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  62. ↑ Condor, Bob (23 December 2022). "Final Buzzer: Kraken Lose Late Lead, Go Down in Shootout". National Hockey League. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  63. ↑ Lukan, Alison (11 January 2023). "AWA: What's Working in the Kraken's Line Combinations". National Hockey League. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  64. ↑ Sadler, Emily (15 April 2023). "2023 Stanley Cup Playoff Preview: Avalanche vs. Kraken". Sportsnet . Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  65. ↑ Luszczyszyn, Dom; Gentille, Sean (1 May 2023). "2023 NHL playoff preview: Avalanche vs. Kraken". The Athletic . Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  66. ↑ "Kraken eliminate reigning champ Avalanche for franchise's first playoff series win". Sportsnet . 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  67. ↑ "Team McDavid tops Team MacKinnon in All-Star Game semifinal". NHL.com . 3 February 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  68. ↑ Robenhymer, Julie (7 May 2018). "Great Dane: Bjorkstrand thrilled playing for Denmark, in his hometown". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  69. ↑ Morreale, Mike G. (10 December 2014). "Ehlers, Bjorkstrand named to Danish junior team". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  70. ↑ La Rose, Jason (24 December 2013). "Denmark Sweeps Through Division 1A Tournament, Books Spot At 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship". Hockey Canada. Archived from the original on 13 February 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  71. ↑ Hedger, Brian (3 May 2018). "IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: What teams to watch for Blue Jackets connections". National Hockey League. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  72. ↑ "SLOVENIA vs DENMARK". IIHF. 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  73. ↑ Sanful, John (9 May 2018). "Herning home boy". IIHF. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  74. ↑ Janicek, Karel (16 May 2018). "Danish hockey on the rise despite elimination at home worlds". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  75. ↑ "Ehlers, Bjorkstrand and True named to Denmark's first-ever Olympic team". The Sports Network. 8 October 2021. Archived from the original on 9 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  76. ↑ Lomon, Chris (10 September 2021). "Olympic dreams are in reach for Oliver Bjorkstrant and Team Denmark". NHLPA. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  77. ↑ "WHL Announces All-Stars & Awards". Western Hockey League. 1 April 2014. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  78. ↑ "WHL Announces All-Stars & Award Finalists". Western Hockey League. 1 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  79. ↑ "Bjorkstrand Earns All-Star Nod". National Hockey League. 4 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.