Bjork, who turned 21 Aug. 5, will be here in less than a month when the Bruins open their rookie camp (Sept. 7), the highlight of which will be a four-day Prospects Challenge (Sept. 8-11) in Buffalo with the Sabres, Devils, and Penguins. The winnowing process for job security along the Charles River will begin alongside Lake Erie.

“That was definitely a factor,” recalled Bjork, the former Notre Dame standout, noting why he chose to eschew his senior year with the Fighting Irish. “[General manager] Don Sweeney told me there is good opportunity here, especially for wingers. That’s exciting for me.”

The Bruins made it clear to Anders Bjork this spring, before he signed his first pro contract, that they were taking job applications. Able to put the puck in the net? Step right up, young man. All goals graciously accepted, no matter what your level of experience.


“We’ve been fairly committed to allowing our young prospects to try to take some opportunities,” said Sweeney, who has set the stage for an intensely competitive battle among his forward group. “I do believe there are a couple of players that will challenge.”

Bjork, who finished tied for ninth in NCAA Division 1 scoring last season with 21 goals and 52 points, is one of some 15 forwards, veterans and raw rookies alike, who will be vying for as many as five open spots at forward.

With jobs at center penciled in for Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Ryan Spooner, and Riley Nash, it appears only the wings have openings. Three of eight jobs along the wall will be anchored by Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak (assuming he signs a deal), and David Backes. Bjork then will be vying for one of the wing spots, likely on the right side, where he played most his career at Notre Dame.


But consider the mother lode of other contenders up front, including veteran Matt Beleskey, the underperforming left winger. Left unclaimed by Vegas in the expansion draft, the 29-year-old Beleskey, on the books for a $3.8 million cap hit, will have a minimum of five other left wingers gunning for three openings. The lot includes Peter Cehlarik, Anton Blidh, first-round pick Jake DeBrusk, rabble-rouser Jesse Gabrielle, and free agent acquisition Kenny Agostino.

On the right side, Bjork’s primary competition would appear to be first-round speed demon Zach Senyshyn and journeyman Jordan Szwarz, who banged home 22 goals last season as a vital contributor with AHL Providence.

Also, not to be overlooked, a huge contingent of “spare” centers, most of whom already boast work with the Boston varsity on their résumés, including Austin Czarnik, Sean Kuraly, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Danton Heinen, Noel Acciari, Frank Vatrano, and Tim Schaller. Ex-BC Eagle Ryan Fitzgerald will have his hand up, too.

With such a cluttered field in mind, Bjork headed home to suburban Milwaukee after last month’s development camp intent on working on his strength and speed. He is perhaps the club’s No. 1 offensive prospect, a potential top-six winger, but he knows he’ll be in for an adjustment period.

Heinen learned last season how elusive a roster spot can be, the former Denver standout securing work in training camp, only to be demoted before the first frost after posting a 0-0—0 line in eight games. Heinen was often late to get to pucks, or win one-on-one battles, particularly against the wall.


“I hope I’ll show how hard I can compete,” said Bjork, who, had he not signed here this summer, could have tested the market as a college free agent next August. “I am excited to see where I’m at compared to these guys.

“I mean, obviously, there’s a ton of great players, especially great forwards, in Boston. It will be an exciting experience for me. I know, especially as a younger player, it might take time. I understand that.”

Bjork shoots from the left side, but is more comfortable at right wing — reminiscent of Rick Middleton, who was a prolific scorer on his off wing. If Bjork were to secure a spot on Krejci’s right side on line No. 2, it could mean finding a new spot for Backes, the lifetime center who spent nearly all of his first year here on the right side.

A better remedy could be for Bjork to try left wing. But a new position and a new league could be asking him to handle too much.

“He’s played a lot more on the right side than he has the left side,” said Sweeney. “That’s where he’s been the most comfortable. I know he can play both. The opportunities will be there. I am sure he has his eye on either one of them.”

Prospects challenge

at Harbor Center, Buffalo

Friday, Sept. 8

Boston vs. Pittsburgh, 3:30 p.m.

Buffalo vs. New Jersey, 7 p.m.


Saturday, Sept. 9

New Jersey vs. Pittsburgh, 3:30 p.m.

Boston vs. Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 11

Boston vs. New Jersey, 12 p.m.

Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.