"It was a difficult decision to trade Oliver, who has given so much to our organization over the past seven years," said Kekalainen. "However, a move like this needed to be made in order for us to be salary cap compliant after the Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine signings. We are thankful for Oliver's many contributions to our club, on and off the ice, and wish he and his wife, Jill, all the best in Seattle."
Bjorkstrand, 27, has registered 111 goals and 123 assists for 234 points with 74 penalty minutes, 20 power play goals, 12 game-winning goals and 924 shots on goal in 382 career NHL games since being selected by the Blue Jackets in the third round, 89th overall, at the 2013 NHL Draft. A native of Herning, Denmark, he ranks seventh on the franchise's all-time list in goals and eighth in both points and shots. He led the club in goals in each of the past three seasons, becoming just the second player in franchise history to lead the team in goals in consecutive seasons (Rick Nash; eight-straight from 2003-12).
The 6-0, 177-pound winger set single-season career highs in goals, points and power play goals in 2021-22, finishing with 28-29-57, 16 PIM, nine PPG and 215 shots while averaging 17:57 of ice time in 80 games. He led the club in goals and PPG and ranked second in points and shots.
