The Seattle Kraken’s Oliver Bjorkstrand is coming off an all-star season last year where he represented the team in Toronto at the annual all-star game. He’s been with the team since the 2022-23 season after coming over in a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“I think offensively [it] just clicked a little bit more for me my first year coming in,” Bjorkstrand said. “I thought I ended up playing some really good hockey, but offensively, maybe I could have done like, a little bit better, obviously, my success that year.”
He said it wasn’t a year where it was needed as much. However, he said he was able to capitalize a bit more on the power play and create a few more points.
Bjorkstrand acknowledged that it’s hard work getting into the playoffs. He talked about how they have to put in a lot of work consistently throughout the year. When he first joined the team, he said the guys were coming out of a season with a little bit of disappointment.
“In the second year we just had a lack of consistency and for whatever reason at times, we just weren’t battling hard enough,” Bjorkstrand said. “Looking back at last season, I just think we have to be a lot better with putting in the right amount of work.”
But the confidence is there with his linemates Eeli Tolvanen and Shane Wright as they look to perform at a high level. He said he sees Wright being very hungry and that he’s taking a big step from last year.
“He looks very comfortable and you’re really starting to see why he was a top draft pick,” Bjorkstrand said.
He noted how it’s been fun playing with him and how Wright is a playmaker.
When it comes to Tolvanen, he said he’s very familiar with him as they’ve played together most of the time since he joined the team after being claimed off waivers from the Nashville Predators.
As far as how the rest of the team has been able to help elevate Bjorkstrand’s game, he explained how as a team when all four lines are gelling, it helps the individual. According to Bjorkstrand, other guys around him could’ve been an all-star selection.
While the team didn’t make the playoffs last year, there were flashes of the type of team that they can be and what they can possibly accomplish in the future.
“As a group, I think we know what our identity is, playing four lines and being relentless every night,” Bjorkstrand said.
But they’ve also had to adjust to changes over the offseason with the style of play that new head coach Dan Bylsma brought to the team. Bjorkstrand said it can take a little bit of an adjustment, but that so far the transition has been good. He talked about how they improved throughout camp and the preseason.
“We’re just gonna stick with it and keep learning how he wants to play and kind of create our identity,” Bjorkstrand said.
He said success will come from hard work which includes backchecking, forechecking and everybody helping with scoring goals while setting each other up. Bjorkstrand emphasized how last year it wasn’t consistent enough.
“It was there at times, but when you don’t make the playoffs, it’s definitely not good enough,” Bjorkstrand said.
“I think we have to look back a little bit with the season two seasons ago, where we made playoffs, and overall we just played better hockey,” Bjorkstrand said. “So it’s there, and I think everybody’s excited about the group.”
As far as that season a couple of years ago when they made the playoffs, he said there hasn’t been too much talk. According to Bjorkstrand, the biggest talk is having their eyes on the playoffs. He said he and the others who were there then knew what it took to get to that point and to almost make it out of the next round.
“If that time comes, you have to think of those moments and what it takes you to win those games,” Bjorkstrand said. “So that’s what we have to do.”
While Bjorkstrand could be considered one of the leaders on the team, he mentioned they have guys with more experience including Stanley Cup winners.
“I think anybody can be a leader on this team, and everybody does in a different way,” Bjorkstrand said. “I think that’s one of the keys to our success this season. We have a lot of guys who have good experience and know what it takes, so I think it’s going to be better in that way.”
As far as what makes this season’s team special, he noted the depth of the lineup.
“Honestly, it could be a different night or a different line every night that contributes,” Bjorkstrand said. “So I really think that’s what’s going to be the key for us.”
As far as personal goals game to game, he said he just wants to go on the ice each night and be a plus player.
“I believe if I go out there and play the two-way game and battle hard, that the points will come along,” Bjorkstrand said.
He wants to go out every night and at least know that helped the team win a game.
When it comes to what fans should look for from him, he said he wants to be a good two-way player the coach can rely on when necessary.
“With that, obviously, it’s no secret you want to produce offensively,” Bjorkstrand said. “Really just want to be a reliable player that can help the team get on the board.”
Northwest Sports Desk 