CBJ acquire draft picks from Seattle in exchange for Oliver Bjorkstrand

The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired a 2023 third spherical choice (beforehand acquired from Calgary) and 2023 fourth spherical choose (beforehand acquired from Winnipeg) from the Seattle Kraken in trade for proper wing Oliver Bjorkstrand, membership Common Supervisor Jarmo Kekalainen introduced right now.

“It was a tough determination to commerce Oliver, who has given a lot to our group over the previous seven years,” stated Kekalainen. “Nevertheless, a transfer like this wanted to be made to ensure that us to be wage cap compliant after the Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine signings. We’re grateful for Oliver’s many contributions to our membership, on and off the ice, and want he and his spouse, Jill, all the most effective in Seattle.”

Bjorkstrand, 27, has registered 111 objectives and 123 assists for 234 factors with 74 penalty minutes, 20 energy play objectives, 12 game-winning objectives and 924 photographs on aim in 382 profession NHL video games since being chosen by the Blue Jackets within the third spherical, 89th general, on the 2013 NHL Draft. A local of Herning, Denmark, he ranks seventh on the franchise’s all-time listing in objectives and eighth in each factors and photographs. He led the membership in objectives in every of the previous three seasons, turning into simply the second participant in franchise historical past to steer the workforce in objectives in consecutive seasons (Rick Nash; eight-straight from 2003-12).  

The 6-0, 177-pound winger set single-season profession highs in objectives, factors and energy play objectives in 2021-22, ending with 28-29-57, 16 PIM, 9 PPG and 215 photographs whereas averaging 17:57 of ice time in 80 video games. He led the membership in objectives and PPG and ranked second in factors and photographs.