If anyone didn’t expect a call-up to Toronto for The NHL All-Star Weekend, It would definitely be Oliver Bjorkstrand.
The 28-year-old Dane had plans to go down to San Diego over the break with his wife Jill and his new born son Bjorn. The Seattle Kraken forward had even booked an Airbnb there for the visit.
https://twitter.com/SeattleKraken/status/1743082115024199697?t=v9DYY1JOfGIVb8r-QHDovg&s=19
Dave Hakstol, Kraken Head Coach, had a one-on-one discussion with the player where he asked about Oliver’s plans over the break. As Oliver broke his San Diego plan, Hakstol asked Oliver whether he can cancel them. Moving ahead, Hakstol revealed the news. Kraken posted the interaction on their socials.
Oliver Bjorkstrand joined Kraken in 2022 after Blue Jackets traded the seasoned player for third round and fourth round picks. After a rocky start to his tenure in Seattle, Oliver Bjorkstrand has found a rhythm.
Bjorkstrand has played 81 games for the Pacific Division team. He has 45 points so far in his short career.
Oliver is the third Seattle Kraken All-Star, after Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers in 2022 and 2024 respectively. Although, Beniers didn’t play in the tournament. Oliver is also the first native Denmark player to represent in the mid-season exhibition game. He will be joining Frederik Andersen and Frans Nielsen in the elite and exclusive list.
Oliver is one among the seven All-Star debutants, a list which includes Connor Bedard. Oliver says, “It kind of caught me off guard. It’s a huge honor so, I’m very excited about it”. As for his San Diego plans, “Hopefully, I can get a refund. We’ll see. It was nothing crazy.” Â