Oliver Bjorkstrand is a Danish professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Born on April 10, 1995, in Herning, he stands at 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds.
Bjorkstrand is known for his skilled offensive play, quick release, and ability to score goals from the wing, while also contributing defensively.
He holds dual Danish and American heritage through his father and has represented Denmark on the international stage, including selection for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Off the ice, he is married to Jill Bjorkstrand, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Otto, in April 2023.
Siblings
Oliver has one older brother, Patrick Bjorkstrand, who is also a professional hockey player.
Patrick, the elder sibling, played in various leagues and briefly signed with NHL organizations, providing Oliver with a competitive household environment that fueled both brothers’ passion for hockey.
Career
Bjorkstrand’s hockey career began in his hometown with the Herning Blue Fox in Denmark’s top league, where he made his senior debut as a teenager and earned rookie honors.
Also Read: Erik Karlsson Siblings: All About Pelle and Anton Karlsson
He moved to North America to play junior hockey with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he developed into one of the league’s top scorers.
The Columbus Blue Jackets selected him in the third round, 89th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
After dominating in the WHL and excelling in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Lake Erie Monsters, he made his NHL debut with Columbus and became a consistent contributor over several seasons.
In 2022, Bjorkstrand was traded to the Seattle Kraken, where he enjoyed strong offensive production and earned an NHL All-Star selection.
On March 5, 2025, he was acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning in a three-team trade.
Known for his scoring touch and playoff performances—including helping the Kraken secure their first playoff series win—he has played over 600 NHL games.
Bjorkstrand has also represented Denmark internationally throughout his career, furthering the country’s hockey profile.
Accolades
In the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks, Bjorkstrand was named to the West First All-Star Team in both 2013–14 and 2014–15, won the Bob Clarke Trophy as the league’s leading scorer in 2014–15, and received the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year that same season.
In the AHL, he helped the Lake Erie Monsters win the Calder Cup in 2016 and was awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP.
At the NHL level, he was selected to the 2024 All-Star Game while with the Seattle Kraken.
Additional early honors include Danish league rookie of the year and cup final MVP during his time with Herning.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
