Oliver Bjorkstrand is flying under the radar in his first full season in the NHL.
But looking at his point totals, it's hard to understand why.
Bjorsktrand is second on the Blue Jackets in scoring (23 points) trailing only Artemi Panarin (31), ahead of the likes of Zach Werenski (18, and his 10 goals lead all NHL defensemen) and the team's leading goal scorer Josh Anderson (13 goals, 21 points).
But recent injuries to key forwards Alexander Wennberg and Cam Atkinson have opened the door for Bjorkstrand to assume a larger, perhaps more pronounced role with the club.
This outlet has been vocal when analyzing Bjorkstrand's potential impact to the team. In September, we wrote: "I, on the other hand, think Bjorkstrand will have an opportunity to move up in the lineup at some point, and think he'll be able to keep that spot."
This is the opportunity that Bjorsktrand needs, to prove to the coaching staff and to himself that he can produce at a top-six forward rate (note: he nearly is, despite averaging just 13:51 of ice time through 37 games).
Of NHL forwards averaging under 14:00 TOI (minimum 10 games), Bjorkstrand is tied for the league lead in points (Thomas Vanek and Alexander Kerfoot also have 23 points each).
But drilling down a bit more, it shows just how under-appreciated Bjorsktrand has been. Vanek and Kerfoot have nearly half of their points (11 of 23, each) on the power play, when compared to just five for Bjorkstrand, who only recently has been given an ample opportunity to play on the top power play unit.
Secondly, Bjokstrand's shooting percentage of 9.4% is lower than his career average (12.5%) and leaves a little room to grow. He's the only player in the top 10 (points among under 14:00 TOI) skaters with a shooting percentage under 10%.
Bjorkstrand is producing at 5-on-5 at a solid-yet-not-unsustainable clip and hasn't had enough of an opportunity to stick in a bigger role. It's reasonable to think he has an inside track to play on the second line, likely with Nick Foligno, though John Tortorella hasn't indicated as much.
This theoretical promotion on the depth chart should coincide with more responsibility and time on the power play, which should (in theory) lead to more ice time, better line mates, and (hopefully) more confidence. At his best, Bjorkstrand is dangerous all over the offensive zone, with and without the puck.
"We made some plays, but we gotta keep winning battles." - @OBjorkstrand #CBJ pic.twitter.com/ekxWKm7yyu
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 24, 2017
On Saturday's win over Philadelphia, Bjorkstrand played on a line with Matt Calvert and Lukas Sedlak, two scrappy yet uninspiring offensive talents. It's part of the reason he's scored just one goal in his past 22 games.
But this isn't making excuses for his lack of production, but suggesting that he could have (should have!) even better numbers with more of an opportunity.
The uncomfortable truth is that, while Atkinson and Wennberg will of course be missed, both were having below-average seasons individually and when compared to top-six forwards around the league.
Bjorkstrand, through no fault of his own, should be able to capitalize on this opportunity – and he has four to six weeks to do just that.
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