Q and A with Oliver Bjorkstrand

Between training and traveling, Oliver Bjorkstrand is focused on improving before this upcoming season. After a playoff appearance last season, he hopes for the same result and to help the Blue Jackets in any way that he can. With training camp on the horizon, BlueJackets.com caught up with him to check on how his summer is going.

BlueJackets.com:What have you been up to this summer?
Bjorkstrand:I took a little time off after the season just to kind of enjoy myself then quickly after you have to get back at it and get in shape. So I spent a little bit of time at home then I had to go to Columbus to workout then I spent a little time in New York with my brother and my girlfriend is here as well. So this summer has been just working out, I want to be ready for the season and that's what I have to do this summer.

BlueJackets.com:What have your workouts been like?
Bjorkstrand: I'm following the Columbus Blue Jackets schedule that they have. When I was in Columbus we were working out on their program, but we would be several guys in the gym at the same time, so I've been working out with some of the prospects and some of the guys on the team through out the summer.
BlueJackets.com:What are your goals heading into the upcoming season?
Bjorkstrand:Well I want to make the team out of camp and the whole year. That's my main focus this year, and I believe I'm ready to take that next step and really have an impact on the team, and hopefully I can help win some games. As far as personal goals I don't have any. Obviously I want to score goals and all of that, but my first focus is to make the team and help the team out in any way I can.

BlueJackets.com:What do you think of what the organization did this off-season, with the draft, along with acquirement of Artemi Panarin.
Bjorkstrand:It's been a busy summer for the organization it seems like. Obviously lost William Karlsson, and it sucks to see him go, but then we added Panarin and lost Saad... but it's exciting adding a player like Panarin. It would be really an honor to have the chance to play with him, and if I do, I better play good because I think that's a guy you would want to play with. It seems exciting, and I'm really looking forward to main camp and making a good impression and making the team.