Overview
- The Winnipeg Jets used the No. 8 pick on Viggo Björck on Friday night, adding an 18-year-old Swedish centre to their prospect pool.
- Björck is undersized at about 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 but is praised for elite compete, playmaking and an accurate, deceptive shot.
- He boosted his draft stock with nine points in seven games at the World Junior Championship and six points in eight games at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
- Björck is expected to attend the Jets’ development camp starting June 29 and, with one year left on his Djurgårdens SHL contract, will most likely return to Sweden for further pro seasoning.
- Scouts say his SHL experience and international production give him high upside as a top-six offensive option, and his profile fits a modern NHL trend that rewards processing and skill over size.