Scoring was tough to come by for the Blue Jackets this season.
However, players stepped up from time to time, and no player was more consistent than Oliver Bjorkstrand, who led the team in goals and points.
The Danish winger has continued to improve each season, and his average of 0.79 points per game during the 2020-21 campaign is a career best.
Bjorkstrand's Year
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PS | PIM | S% | GWG | TOI | CF% | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 18 | 26 | 44 | -15 | 4.2 | 23 | 12.6 | 0 | 17:37 | 47.1 | 13 |
He notched a career-best in penalty minutes, despite the shortened season. His average ice time decreased by 19 seconds from last season, and his shooting percentage dipped 0.4% from last campaign. Interestingly enough, Bjorkstrand didn't score a single game-winning goal, despite leading the team in goals. He notched five last season.
Of all of the Blue Jackets skaters, Bjorkstrand tallied the highest point shares, per Hockey Reference. It was a good season for him individually, despite the lack of team success.
Notable Highlight
Bjorkstrand has worked significantly on the defensive parts of his game, as well as his vision and puck-handling, but his crown jewel is his shot. It's tricky, and impossible for goalies to save if he can get the release right, like he did on May 8th against the Red Wings.
Calvin Pickard had no chance as Bjorkstrand scooped up a loose puck in the offensive zone, found himself in all kinds of space, and banked the puck off the iron and in to tie the game at two apiece.
Outlook for Next Season
Right now, Bjorkstrand is the Blue Jackets' best forward. He should slot in on the top line next year, but who will join him there remains a mystery. John Tortorella rotated a cast of centers throughout the lineup, but will whoever the Blue Jackets select as their new coach be as willing to change the lineup on a nightly and even shift-to-shift basis? It remains to be seen how the front office will use their three first-round picks and surplus of goaltending, but bringing in a top center to play with Bjorkstrand, and perhaps Patrik Laine, would be immense for the Blue Jackets' playoff hopes.
Hopefully, Bjorkstrand will get the ice time he deserves next season. He was fourth in average ice time among Blue Jackets forwards, with Cam Atkinson, Nick Foligno, and Boone Jenner seeing more time than him. This upcoming season, Bjorkstrand should be number one.
"Next year, I want to take another step, be more consistent, and score more," said Bjorkstrand during his exit interview last week. "I'm excited about next year. It's a good opportunity for us to prove ourselves."
