Oliver Bjorkstrand is seizing a renewed opportunity in the New York Rangers' top six, showcasing a resurgence in offensive production after a period of reduced ice time. The forward has become one of the team's most effective 5-on-5 players, demonstrating his scoring ability and aiming to solidify his role.
Initially demoted to the fourth line, Bjorkstrand averaged under 10 minutes of ice time per game for a 10-game stretch. However, with an opportunity arising due to Pavel Dorofeyev's lack of scoring, Bjorkstrand responded by registering five goals and six points while playing with the bottom six and the second power-play unit. This performance has positioned him as a key offensive contributor.
He now sits tied with Alexis Lafrenière and Gabe Perreault for the team lead in even-strength goals with four and ranks fourth on the team in expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. The new-look second line, featuring Bjorkstrand alongside Tye Kartye and J.T. Miller, proved effective in a recent loss, with Bjorkstrand's shooting ability, a noted asset, making him a prime finisher for the unit.
"You get bumped down, and you want to find a way back," Bjorkstrand told The Post. "Now you get that opportunity. ... Obviously if you get bumped up, it’s because you’re doing good things and they think you can help out in that way. So in that sense, yeah, it’s good."
The Rangers signed Bjorkstrand to a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the expectation that he could regain the scoring consistency he demonstrated until the 2025-26 season. While he achieved at least 20 goals in six of the seven seasons prior to last year, his output dropped to 12 with the Lightning. Bjorkstrand attributed last season's struggles to difficulties in finishing chances, noting he had only 17 high-danger scoring chances, a number he has already surpassed with 13 in 14 games for the Rangers this season.
"Just not getting the puck off the right way, hitting the spots," Bjorkstrand said of his previous season. "Right now, I definitely have a more comfortable feeling when I get a chance, so I think that’s a part of it. I could’ve had chances like that last year, and I wasn’t hitting the spots."
Bjorkstrand scored twice against the Islanders on Oct. 6, added another two against the Ducks, and tallied his fifth goal during the Rangers' recent Canadian road trip. His impact was immediate upon returning to the top six, contributing to a goal by creating space near the net in a recent game. That line generated five high-danger scoring chances and a 75.06 expected goals for percentage, the highest among the Rangers' top three lines. Despite the team allowing six goals in that game, Bjorkstrand finished with a team-best plus-two rating.
He noted that playing with linemates like Kartye and Miller suits his style, as his production often comes with players who move their feet and play a simple game. Bjorkstrand's ability to finish and engage in puck battles has been a valuable addition, especially given Dorofeyev's slow start.
Bjorkstrand's current opportunity could be temporary, as Dorofeyev, signed to a significant contract, is expected to improve his scoring pace. However, this period has allowed Bjorkstrand to increase his ice time, reaching 16:12 in a recent game, his highest of the season. This situation presents a chance for him to continue performing and influence the coach's decisions regarding line combinations.
Coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged the fluidity of player roles earlier in the season, stating, "It’s gonna play itself out. It’s a long season, and that’s a conversation that I’ve had with him. ... As you know, nothing’s ever etched in stone and things change and it’s a long season."