How well did winger Anders Bjork do for the Boston Bruins in 2019-20?
Drafted in the fifth round (146th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Anders Bjork has now played parts of the last three seasons with the Boston Bruins.
His rookie campaign in 2017-18 went quite well. At just 21 years old, Bjork played 30 games in the NHL and scored 12 points (four goals, eight assists) — nearly a 0.5 point-per-game average.
However, 2017-18 didn’t end the way Bjork or the Bruins wanted it to.
Bjork would suffer a season-ending shoulder injury on Jan. 30, 2018, in a game against the Anaheim Ducks. This injury would require surgery and keep Bjork sidelined for an expected six months.
Bjork struggled his sophomore season. He suited up for just 20 NHL games and recorded just three points (one goal, two assists). His struggles could be the result of him still recovering from his shoulder injury.
This season, 2019-20, Bjork was much closer to his rookie form. In 58 games, he registered career-highs in points (19), goals (nine), and assists (10).
Bjork’s points-per-game average jumped from 0.15 to 0.33, goals per game increased from 0.05 to 0.16, and assists per game rose from 0.10 to 0.17.
In his own zone, he was also much better. Bjork’s defensive point shares (DPS) went from 0.3 in 2018-19 to 1.1 in 2019-20.
What grade does Anders Bjork deserve for his 2019-20 season with the Boston Bruins?
At just 24 years old, Bjork is still young and developing. The fact that he is already in the NHL and was a fifth-round pick means he has had a successful career.
As a bottom-six forward in 2019-20, Bjork did his job and provided solid defensive play and some scoring depth. His 0.33 points-per-game average paced him out to about 27 points over 82 games, which is pretty good for a bottom-six winger.
Furthermore, after such a horrid 2018-19, Bjork’s totals for 2019-20 are a great sight. He may be able to finally break out in 2020-21, especially if wingers David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand miss time early in the season.
If this is the case Bjork could see top-six minutes and end up playing with either Patrice Bergeron or David Krejci. Two guys that could really help out his point totals.
Anyway, I think Bjork had a solid 2019-20 campaign, especially when you compare it to his very poor 2018-19 season. I think the grade of a C+ is fair for the young winger.