Career Timeline of Oliver Bjorkstrand: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Oliver Bjorkstrand built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Oliver Bjorkstrand is a Danish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL. Drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013, Bjorkstrand has established himself as a skilled player in the league. He comes from a hockey family; his father, Todd, is an American hockey coach, and he has a brother named Patrick.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: AL-Bank Ligaen Debut

In 2011, Bjorkstrand debuted in the AL-Bank Ligaen with the Herning Blue Fox.

2012: Selected by Portland Winterhawks

In 2012, Bjorkstrand was selected 26th overall by the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League (WHL) Import Draft.

December 2013: Signed with Columbus Blue Jackets

In December 2013, Bjorkstrand signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

2013: NHL Draft Prospect

In 2013, Bjorkstrand earned a top 30 mid-term ranking from the NHL Central Scouting Bureau leading up to the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

March 2014: Reached 50-Goal Plateau

By March 2014, Bjorkstrand reached the 50-goal plateau, becoming the second Winterhawk player in three seasons to do so.

March 2016: NHL Debut

On March 16, 2016, Bjorkstrand was recalled to the NHL and made his debut the following day against the Detroit Red Wings.

February 2017: Return to NHL Level

In February 2017, Bjorkstrand returned to the NHL level and recorded 13 points in 26 games.

July 2018: Contract Extension

On July 15, 2018, Bjorkstrand signed a three-year contract extension through the 2020-21 season.

November 2018: Returned to Lineup

On November 29, 2018, head coach John Tortorella returned Bjorkstrand to the lineup after being a healthy scratch.

2018: Played at the 2018 IIHF World Championship

In 2018, Oliver Bjorkstrand represented Denmark at the IIHF World Championship, where the team won against Germany, Finland, Norway, and South Korea but ultimately missed the quarter-finals after losing to Latvia.

2020: Playoff Goal

In 2020, During the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bjorkstrand tallied his first goal of the postseason.

January 2021: Contract Extension

On January 6, 2021, Bjorkstrand signed a five-year, $27 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets. On January 18, 2021, he scored his first goal of the season against the Detroit Red Wings and added an assist and a fight for a Gordie Howe hat trick.

October 2021: Named to Team Denmark's Olympic Hockey Team

In October 2021, Oliver Bjorkstrand was selected as part of Team Denmark's first-ever Olympic hockey team for the 2022 Winter Olympics, expressing his excitement and determination to perform well.

July 2022: Traded to Seattle Kraken

On July 22, 2022, Bjorkstrand was traded to the Seattle Kraken.

2022: Participated in the 2022 Winter Olympics

Oliver Bjorkstrand participated in the 2022 Winter Olympics as a member of Team Denmark's first-ever Olympic hockey team.

January 2023: New Linemate

In early January 2023, Bjorkstrand and Gourde gained Eeli Tolvanen as their new linemate following his acquisition through waivers from the Nashville Predators.