Boston Bruins: Anders Bjork looks like a different player this year

Anders Bjork is only 23, but he entered this season with his future a little up in the air. He had shoulder surgery last year, and he needed to prove that he was ready and capable of a full season.

Bjork had an impressive training camp, but to nobody’s surprise, the Bruins sent him down to Providence to start. There, Bjork could develop his game and show that he was healthy.

He did just that, and he played enough to earn a recall to Boston around a month ago. This was Bjork’s best chance to prove that he’s an NHL player.

Since his callup, Bjork definitely showed that he belongs in Boston. Not only that, as he continues to play better and better, Bjork looks like a totally different player than he was last year.

In 18 NHL games this year, Bjork has four goals and two assists. These numbers won’t blow anybody away, but they don’t tell the entire story.

Anybody who watches Bjork play notices his blazing speed. He’s always one of the fastest players on the ice, regardless of the competition.

With his speed, Bjork creates a number of chances for his linemates. He puts pressure on slower defenders, and he often wins loose pucks.

This really comes into play on the backcheck, because Bjork is never really out of the play with his speed. There were a few times against the Rangers when Bjork hustled back to break up a possible chance. It’s great to see plays like this from a young player.

What really stands out about Bjork, however, is his size compared to previous years. He looks bigger and stronger than he was last year and the year before. As such, he’s stronger on the puck and along the boards.

Strength was a big issue for Bjork when he first played in Boston. Bigger defenders often pushed him around, and he wasn’t always physically engaged. Also, he had two shoulder surgeries, so many wondered if he could handle the rigors of the NHL.

Bjork obviously knew these drawbacks, and it looks like he worked hard to put on some size to deal with NHL competition. Now, he looks like a formidable NHL wing, and he continues to make great strides out there.

Not many forwards in the Bruins organization have Bjork’s upside, and he proves that game after game. He may very well be a part of Boston’s top-six in the future, but for now, he’s an important figure on that third line.