The Boston Bruins had high expectations for Anders Bjork heading into last season. The former fifth round pick appeared in only 30 games and recorded 12 points. On February 20th, the Bruins rookie underwent left shoulder shoulder, which ended his season. Bjork was forced to a watch as the Bruins made the playoffs and fellow rookies Danton Heinen and Jake DeBrusk had breakout seasons. Next season, Bjork will be highly motivated as he looks to make his mark. When healthy, he spent time on the Bruins top two lines, which speaks to how much the organization believed in him. It will not be easy, but if Bjork can play to his potential, the Bruins will find a spot for him.
Expectations For Anders Bjork
When the Bruins first drafted Bjork in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, he drew comparisons to David Pastrnak. He can play both ways and lrelies on his speed, much like Pastrnak. While at Notre Dame, he improved his game every year to become an elite scorer by his junior season. His creativity, strength, and agility is what makes him so hard to defend. In his junior season, he broke out with 21 goals and 31 assists, including five powerplay goals. When the Bruins drafted the Notre Dame product, he was seen as possible second line winger. After an impressive developmental camp, the Bruins slotted him on the second line.
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Bjork Makes His NHL Debut
The Notre Dame product got off to a hot start in his first NHL season. Bjork began the 2017-2018 season on the Bruins second line with David Krejci and David Pastrnak. In his first 11 game, the former fifth round pick had seven points. He also saw time on the powerplay as he notched two points on the man advantage through the first six games. Bjork then began to struggle; through all of December, he recorded only three points on two goals. Due to the slump, the Bruins sent him back to Providence to regroup. The move appeared to be beneficial; in nine games, he amassed four points. The Notre Dame product returned to the Bruins on January 25th, but his stay was brief.
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Season Ending Injury
Upon his return, Bjork would only appear in two games before surgery ended his season. Going into next year, the will be more motivated than ever. He will also see competition in the form of other Bruins prospects (eg, Zach Senyshyn) who are close to being NHL ready. Bjork still could make an impact in Boston as she showed flashes of his scoring ability last season. Health and consistency will be key for the former fifth pick as he looks to establish himself after a rookie season to forget.
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