As far as first full NHL seasons go, last season was a success for Oliver Bjorkstrand.
The 23-year old forward played all 82 games, had 40 points on 11 goals and 29 assists, and added three points (one goal, two assists) in the Blue Jackets' first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals. Bjorkstrand also finished fifth on the team in scoring, behind only Cam Atkinson (46 points), Pierre-Luc Dubois (48 points), Seth Jones (57 points) and Artemi Panarin (82 points).
Still, there's potential for more, which is something the Blue Jackets are hoping to get after re-signing Bjorkstrand - a restricted free agent (RFA) - to a three-year contract Sunday worth $7.5 million ($2.5 million average annual value).
"I was happy with 40 points, but I'd like to score more goals," Bjorkstrand told BlueJackets.com. "Growing up, I've always been a bit of a goal-scorer. I'd obviously like to increase those numbers and score some more goals, and that's something I really want to get better at next season."
New contract shows Jackets believe in Bjorkstrand's 'dynamic' potential
After 40-point season, he and Columbus GM think even better years are ahead.
© Kirk Irwin