The Swede is certainly betting on himself and making it clear he\u2019s not scared for a new challenge by choosing to play his first North American season at just 18 years old rather than return to his home country. But how exactly his first season in Winnipeg will look is still up in the air.<\/p>\n Bjorck\u2019s Eligibility Opens Up Possibilities <\/p>\n Bjork will be eligible to play for the Jets or Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League (AHL) this season, opening up possibilities for the Jets\u2019 coaching staff not usually available to them when it comes to most prospects his age.<\/p>\n Since Bjorck was drafted out of Europe rather than any of the three junior leagues comprising the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the agreement between the NHL and CHL that disallows players from playing in the AHL or ECHL until they are 20 years old or complete four years of junior hockey does not apply to him. This agreement can do top prospects a disservice and delay their development as many would be better off playing in the AHL at 18 or 19 and learning the rigours of pro hockey rather than going back to juniors to continue to dominate.<\/p>\n Bjorck is considered one of the more NHL-ready prospects to come out of the first round this year as he already has a season of professional hockey under his belt. He spent all of 2025-26 with Djurgardens and posted six goals and nine assists for 15 points in 42 games, then recorded one goal and two assists in three playoff games.<\/p>\n For #NHLJets<\/a> fans: Viggo Bjorck could make his NHL debut as an 18-year-old this season.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s an SHL playoff game where he recorded 3 points and a 1-0 goal differential in over 23 minutes of ice time (unheard of for a draft-year prospect): pic.twitter.com\/fSR4tfdzHd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Justin Giampietro (@justinghockey) July 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n While those numbers don\u2019t jump off the page, the fact he was able to keep up in a top-tier league against grown men all season despite being 17 until March is extremely impressive.<\/p>\n Jets Have High Hopes For Bjorck<\/p>\n The Jets\u2019 first pick within the top 10 in a decade is perhaps their most-important pick in a decade as well. The 5-foot-9 right shooter\u2019s strengths include his hockey IQ, vision, playmaking, work ethic, motor, and competitiveness; his shot is described as accurate and deceptive and he\u2019s also known as a strong defensive player and great penalty killer.<\/p>\n \u201cThe things that jump off the page are first and foremost, his compete, and he\u2019s one of those guys when you go to scout him and you watch him play, and you become a fan, like you\u2019re not a scout anymore,\u201d Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said upon drafting Bjorck.<\/a>\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re watching, you\u2019re entertained, you\u2019re wondering who this player is that the puck is on his stick all the time, making dynamic plays, always in the right spot defensively, just an exciting player.\u201d<\/p>\n There\u2019s no wonder Bjorck, who was the main attraction at the Jets\u2019 2026 Development Camp a few weeks ago, is someone the organization is hoping can become the second-line centre they\u2019ve been seeking for a number of seasons. Don\u2019t be surprised if he\u2019s give an extended opportunity in training camp and preseason to earn that role and that he at least begins the season in the big leagues.<\/p>\n Viggo Bjorck meets the media here in Winnipeg for the first time. This kid just oozes character and charm. Very very engaging. And funny. pic.twitter.com\/5VOZOsSNCr<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) June 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n If he really struggles early on, the Jets can always send him to the Moose \u2014 literally just down the hall \u2014 to give him a chance to learn the North American game on the job against slightly-easier competition for a while. If he does stick in the NHL, still expect some growing pains: Cheveldayoff said Bjorck will be deployed as a centre, the toughest forward position with the most defensive responsibility, rather than being placed on the wing like some other top prospects are early in their NHL careers.<\/p>\n![\"Viggo](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Viggo-Bjorck-Jets-1200x900.jpg\")
Viggo Bjorck, Winnipeg Jets (Amy Irvin<\/a> \/ The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n