Jets secure top prospect Viggo Björck
The Winnipeg Jets have officially signed their recent first-round draft pick, forward Viggo Björck, to a three-year entry-level contract. The agreement was announced after Björck’s former team, Djurgården of the Swedish Hockey League, confirmed over the weekend that he would not be returning for the upcoming season. This move brings the 18-year-old prospect to North America, with the deal reportedly set to pay him $1.075 million per season.
Björck expressed his enthusiasm for the signing in a video shared on social media, stating his excitement about his first NHL contract and his anticipation of arriving in Winnipeg in September. The Jets selected Björck as the eighth overall pick in the recent NHL Draft.
Historically, the Jets have often allowed their overseas draft picks to remain with their European teams for at least the first season after being selected. However, this signing indicates a potential shift in strategy for Björck, with the team aiming for him to make an impact sooner.
Björck’s path to the NHL
Before being drafted, Björck recorded six goals and nine assists in 42 games as a professional with Djurgården last season. He also contributed to Sweden‘s gold medal victory at this year’s World Junior Hockey Championship. Djurgården‘s sporting director, Marcus Due-Boje, issued a translated statement wishing Björck success with his new club and acknowledging his decision to depart, despite the team’s desire for him to stay another season.
There is speculation that Björck could play for either the Jets or their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, in the upcoming season. The Jets currently have a need for a second-line centre, a position Björck has indicated he aspires to play. He noted that while playing centre is his goal, adaptability is key, and he is prepared to play on the wing if necessary.
Some reports suggest that starting with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League could be the most beneficial route for Björck’s development. This would allow him to refine his two-way game and adjust to the physical demands of North American hockey. The AHL is seen as a crucial step for centres transitioning from junior or overseas leagues to the NHL, helping them to become more complete players.
Björck’s skill is considered unquestionable, but his ability to handle the size and physicality of the NHL is a point of discussion, given his smaller stature. Playing in the AHL would expose him to tougher competition, preparing him for the demands of the top league.
Immediate impact and future prospects
The Jets are reportedly keen on having Björck on their roster from the start, recognizing his potential to become a top-line centre in the future. The team’s urgency to improve after a challenging previous season, combined with Björck being considered one of the most NHL-ready prospects from the draft class, contributed to his selection. However, there is also a cautious approach to avoid rushing his development, with the AHL offering a suitable environment for growth.
Björck’s performance at the team’s annual summer development camp, where he showcased his passing, shooting, and engagement with fans, left a positive impression on local observers. He is expected to be given a significant opportunity to prove he is ready for the NHL this fall, potentially addressing the team’s long-standing need for a capable second-line centre behind Mark Scheifele.
The new rules governing player development are seen as advantageous for players like Björck, allowing the Jets to assign him to the AHL if he is not immediately ready for the NHL, which would provide more beneficial development than other leagues he might otherwise dominate. This pathway has been observed with other overseas players like Ilya Protas and Konsta Helenius, who benefited from time in the AHL before joining their respective NHL teams.
The only other European player drafted by the Jets who played the next full season in the organization after being selected was Patrik Laine. Björck is set to join the team in September.
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Source: globalnews.ca
