Boston Bruins Prospect Highlight: How good is Anders Bjork?
Boston Bruins prospect Anders Bjork has a high ceiling and already looks like the real deal.
There’s been a lot of talk about what Anders Bjork can contribute to the Boston Bruins this season. Let’s take a deeper look.
General Info:
Name: Anders Bjork
Position: Left Winger
Yes, ACTUALLY a wing, not a center!
Size: 6’0” 185
Not very large, but uses his body well.
Development: He’s a US NTDP product from Wisconsin, and he just finished his junior season at Notre Dame.
Drafted: 146th Overall (5th Round) in 2014
Scouting Report:
I would say that Bjork is really the epitome of modern day NHL player. He can play both ways, relies heavily on his speed, and has “creative” hands. All similar qualities to David Pastrnak. Will he reach that level? Probably not, but that’s an exciting comparison nonetheless.
"Bjork has always been a strong, fast two-way forward. He was the prototypical third line energy guy when playing for the US NTDP and on the US World Juniors team two years ago.But Bjork has consistently improved his offensive production over the course of his career at Notre Dame from ‘fine’ as a freshman, to good as a sophomore, to now being one of the elite scorers in the country as a junior. Bjork’s combination of strength, agility, and creativity with his hands makes him very tough to defend one-on-one.-Chris Dilks of SB Nation College Hockey"
(Also worth noting this came in an article labeling Bjork as the 23rd best college hockey prospect. Not bad for a 5th rounder)
Season Recap:
As a junior Bjork had his most productive season to date. With 52 points in 39 games played, he showed his continued growth offensively, especially when it mattered most.
Watching the regionals, it seemed like Bjork registered a point on literally every ND goal, and that’s because he almost did. He scored two of the three goals in their first-round matchup against Minnesota, including the game winner, and he assisted on all three goals in round two against UMass Lowell.
With five points in two games, Bjork was named the Northeast Regional’s Most Outstanding Player. Even though the Irish didn’t win the ultimate prize, Bjork showed he can contribute when the pressure’s on.
Must Read: Bjork Impresses at Development Camp
Areas to Improve:
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Right now Bjork could be a solid NHL player in my opinion, but to get top six minutes he needs to improve in two areas. First he could bulk up a little bit from his current 185 to 195, which also happens to be Pastrnak’s weight.
Second he can improve his shot more. Is not isn’t necessarily bad, but it isn’t great. At Bruins Development Camp his shot didn’t stand out, and he actually missed a few open nets.
Again, this doesn’t mean he can’t make the Boston Bruins this year. These are just two things he will have to improve in order to reach his full potential.
Summary:
Bjork shows all the signs of being an absolute steal for Sweeney and the Boston Bruins. I fully believe he is capable of playing on the third line this year, and I think there’s a good chance he is able to crack the top six due to his speed, smart two-way game, and playmaking abilities.
Next: 2017 Patriots Training Camp Position Battles: Running Back
If you liked this Prospect Highlight let me know because I’m thinking of making this a weekly series.