2026 Rangers Season Previews: Oliver Bjorkstrand

This article is part of an ongoing series of New York Rangers Season Previews, taking a close look at what we can, and should, expect from each member of the 2026-27 New York Rangers. To read other articles in this series, go here.

The New York Rangers are a team that, historically, has always looked to draw the big name fish in free agency. Between Marion Gaborik, Artemi Panarin, Brad Richards, and countless others, the Rangers never shy away from making a splash and paying the price to sign big name players. While Oliver Bjorkstrand may not fall into this category of free agents, the Rangers did the best with what was available in a thin free agent market and made a wise decision signing him to a one-year contract. 

There’s no doubt that the Rangers headed into free agency in need of help in their top six. With Panarin now in Los Angeles and Vincent Trocheck in Utah (likely meaning J.T. Miller moving back to center full time), important positions on the wing opened up. As a team looking to retool, the Rangers needed to find ways to improve without risking long term commitments going wrong. Signing Bjorkstrand was the best way available to accomplish this.

Previous Performance

Last season was a bit of a lower production run for Bjorkstrand. In 80 games played with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he only put up 32 points, split between 12 goals and 20 assists. Given the role he was playing on a deeper Tampa team, those aren’t bad numbers at all. Playing in 1,090 minutes, his goal count was just under his expected number at 15.76. Theoretically, he’s a guy that should be capable of producing at a larger volume, but on a star-studded Lightning team, a lower production rate makes sense. 

It’s also worth mentioning Bjorkstrand didn’t necessarily have consistent linemates last season. According to MoneyPuck, he spent just over 81 minutes playing with Gage Goncalves and Dominic James, roughly 79 minutes with Pontus Holmberg and Yanne Gourde, and close to 63 minutes with James and Nick Paul. Those are all very good players, but chemistry can be a huge factor for a player, especially one whose job is to shoot the puck, generate offense, and score goals. None of those guys he played with are play drivers by any means.

Expectations

At this point in his career, Bjorkstrand should still be an extremely serviceable middle-six forward. He’s likely better used in a third line role on a competitive team, but can be perfectly fine as a second liner, especially on a retooling team like the Rangers. Everyone is going to look at the Panarin-sized hole in the Rangers opening night lineup and panic. The important thing to keep in mind is that it isn't Bjorkstrand’s job to fill. That job now belongs to Alexis Lafrenière and Gabe Perreault. 

It’s reasonable to expect Bjorkstrand to start the season on the second line. While the Rangers have plenty of wingers, they don’t have a ton of right-handed ones who naturally play the right side. Bjorkstrand immediately becomes their best right-handed winger and should slot in on the second line as a result. 

Dorofeyev - Zibanejad - Perreault
Lafrenière - Miller - Bjorkstrand
Cuylle - Laba - Raddysh

Now if the Rangers prefer to keep Cuylle in the top six, they could move Lafrenière to the right, push Bjorkstrand down to the third line, and Raddysh to the fourth line, if he’s not waived or traded. Though, given what he brings to the table, Bjorkstrand should be an everyday part of the second line. At his best, he has a lethal shot, a goal scoring touch, and the wherewithal to play responsibly in all areas of the game. 

Predictions

77 GP | 19 G | 25 A | 44 PTS

This is a player who just barely got over the 30 point margin last season, but realistically, Bjorkstrand is capable of much more. He’s collected over 30 points four times throughout his career, 40 or more points three times, and near 60 points twice (57 points in 2021-22, and 59 points in 2023-24). I’m not expecting him to come anywhere near his 59 point career-best campaign, but asking for something in the neighborhood of 40 points this season shouldn’t be unrealistic. This is a beyond capable middle-six player who can provide secondary scoring, slot in on the second power play unit, and can kill penalties if needed. 

There’s some uncertainty about how the top six will pan out. Will the Rangers keep Lafrenière and Perreault together or will they put one of them with Pavel Dorofeyev? However it comes together, Bjorkstrand should have the opportunity to play with one of the Rangers top players, which will only help him perform to the best of his abilities. 

The Bottom Line

Bjorkstrand will be 32 come next spring and was only signed to a one-year contract. That said, he has plenty to play for this season and needs to have a big year. While a career year at this stage in his career might be asking too much, he should have plenty of motivation to reach for it as much as he can. This is a player that has certainly bounced around the league the last five years or so and will be looking for another new contract next summer.

If his objective is to find a place to call home in the back half of his career, he should without question hold himself to a high standard and look to play a crucial role with the Rangers this season.