A hard hit to the head from Toronto’s Matt Martin Nov. 11 was the first down for the speedy 21-year-old. Sitting out for the next seven games was next.
Even when cleared to play, jumping back into an NHL lineup isn’t easy on the body or the brain. Learning how to fight back to full-strength has been Bjork’s latest lesson.
Since his return to the lineup on Dec. 2, Bjork has only put up one point – a goal vs. the struggling Arizona Coyotes – through six games. Compare that to nine points (three goals, six assists) in his first 16 games, and it’s clear that he hasn’t been the same player.