PHN Extra: Penguins Prospect Kasper Bjorkqvist Drawing Big Comparison

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Kasper Bjorkqvist has drawn big comparisons in his first two years at Providence College. Bjorkqvist played as a true freshman, which is unusual for a Hockey East school, but took a big step forward as a Sophomore when he scored 16 goals.

Bjorkqvist, 20, from Espoo, Finland was the Penguins second-round choice in 2016, 61st overall, as a second-year draft eligible player from the Finnish juniors (The Penguins also selected Swedish goaltender Filip Gustavsson in the second round, 55th overall). Late second round picks are not automatically ticketed for NHL stardom, and Bjorkqvist has a long way to go before he reaches NHL ice, but his early work on the college scene is drawing positive reviews.

Providence College head coach Nate Leahman compared him to Patric Hornqvist.

Leaman told Pittsburgh Hockey Now, Bjorkqvist has a “big, heavy, power forward build. He’s good getting to the net, and thinks the game very well.” Leaman also said, “for me, he can play in any type of situation. He can compliment any type of player.”