Björck pushes for Jets roster spot at NHL Prospect Challenge

GATINEAU, Que. — Viggo Bjorck didn't need long to make an impression in his first game wearing a Winnipeg Jets jersey.

The No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft opened the scoring in the NHL Prospect Challenge at Centre Slush Puppie on Saturday with a skillful wraparound after a give-and-go with forward Brayden Yager, a good start for the  rookie hoping to earn an NHL roster spot with the Jets this season.

Bjorck has made no secret of his desire to play in the NHL this year, though he says he's staying focused on the rookie tournament first and, hopefully, training camp next.

"I want to make the team," he said after the Jets won their opening game of the tournament 3-1 against the Montreal Canadiens. "But we've got a game here, and then we've got two weeks of training camp as well. So it's a long way."

The Swedish centerman signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Jets on July 13 following the end of the Swedish Hockey League season. 

Bjorck tallied 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 42 games with Djurgardens IF, along with three points (one goal, two assists) in three playoff games. The previous season, he broke Sweden's U20 Nationell regular-season scoring record for a 16 year old, putting up 74 points (27 goals, 47 assists) in 42 games.

Bjorck also has plenty of international playing experience with Team Sweden, helping his country earn the gold medal at the 2026 World Junior Championship with nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games. He also won the silver medal at the 2025 U18 World Championship and bronze at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The 5-foot-9, 177-pound forward also played at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, where he had six points (one goal, five assists) in eight games.

“To learn the new system of the team is an important thing,” Bjorck said of what he is looking to get out of the NHL Prospect Challenge. "And then just to get game ready as well, for the season. I think I'm in good shape, but to get ice minutes in a game I think is important as well."

Those international and team experiences have given Bjorck an early taste of competition against established players, but an 18 year old making a full-time jump to the NHL is still atypical. If Bjorck does make the opening night lineup for Winnipeg, he will be the first Jets' draft pick since the team relocated from Atlanta in 2011 to do so since Finnish winger Patrik Laine did it in his rookie season in 2016. 

"I guess I just believe in myself," Bjorck said. “I’ve been able to play at certain levels. I think the World Championships as well was kind of a good place to see where you're at. It's definitely not easy, but I'm going to give it my best (shot)."

Bjorck showed the offensive instincts that helped make him a first-round draft pick, but it wasn't just his first period goal that caught the attention of the Jets' coaching staff on Saturday.

"I thought he played with a lot of composure out there," said Mark Morrison, coach of Manitoba of the American Hockey League. “It gets a little scrambly at times. He made some nice plays. Special teams, he was real good, and yeah, nice goal.

"You can tell he's into the game on the bench, on the ice, in the dressing room. He's a competitor, and that's great to see."

Björck spent time on the power play with Yager, a fellow Jets' first round pick (No. 14 in 2023) and prospect, and the two found some early chemistry despite having only one practice together before Saturday’s game.

"He's a very unique player," Yager, who spent most of last season playing for Manitoba before making his Winnipeg debut on April 13, said. "He's so good on both ends of the ice. He's got a great stick, and the puck just seems to find him. He gets in good spots, and yeah, he's a very smart player."

Bjorck said he’s trying to stay true to himself and enjoy his time with his new teammates as he adjusts to the expectations that come with being a top-10 pick in a Canadian market.

"I try just to be myself, trying to enjoy spending time with the guys in the locker room," he said. "I think that keeps you focused on the job and just having fun."

Regardless of whether he makes the Winnipeg roster, Bjorck will remain in North America this season, with Manitoba another option to continue development. Before that decision is made, he'll have the rookie tournament, training camp and preseason to make his case.