Jets sign first-rounder Viggo Bjorck to entry-level contract
The Winnipeg Jets have signed Viggo Bjorck, their first-round pick from the recent NHL Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract. The agreement, announced on Monday, will pay Bjorck $1.075 million annually.
Bjorck, who is 18, was selected eighth overall by the Jets in last month’s draft. His former team in Sweden had indicated over the weekend that he would not be returning for the upcoming season, paving the way for his move to North America.
Bjorck’s Path to Winnipeg
Bjorck expressed his excitement about signing his first NHL contract and mentioned looking forward to arriving in Winnipeg in September. The Jets typically allow their overseas draft picks to remain with their European teams for at least a season after being selected, but Bjorck’s situation appears to be an exception.
During the last season, Bjorck contributed significantly to Djurgårdens in Sweden’s top men’s league, recording six goals and nine assists in 42 games. He also played a key role in Sweden‘s gold medal victory at the World Junior Championship, where he tallied three goals and six assists across seven games. Additionally, he represented Sweden at the men’s World Championship, scoring one goal and providing five assists in eight games.
The Jets have had a relatively quiet off-season thus far, with other notable signings including defenceman Mario Ferraro to a three-year, $12 million contract and goalie Stuart Skinner to a two-year, $7.5 million deal.
Potential Role and Development
There is a possibility that Bjorck could play for either the Jets or their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, next season. The Jets are noted to have a need for a second-line centre. Historically, Patrik Laine is the only European player drafted by the Jets who played a full season in the organization immediately after being selected.
While Bjorck possesses the talent to potentially become a top-line centre, some observers suggest that starting with the Manitoba Moose could be the most beneficial route for his development. This would allow him to adapt to the physicality of North American hockey and refine his two-way game. The AHL is seen as a crucial environment for centres transitioning from junior, overseas, or college play to the NHL level.
Bjorck’s size, at five-foot-nine, has been a point of discussion among scouts, with some believing he would have been a top draft selection if he were taller. The AHL could provide the necessary challenge against larger, tougher competition to prepare him for the NHL.
The Jets are under pressure to improve their performance after a challenging last season. Bjorck’s selection is seen by some as a move to bring in an NHL-ready prospect who can make an immediate impact. However, there is also a view that rushing him into the NHL could hinder his development, making a stint with the Moose a safer option.
The new rules for player development are considered beneficial for players like Bjorck. If he is not deemed ready for the NHL, he can be assigned to the AHL, which is believed to offer more significant development opportunities than other leagues he might otherwise dominate. This pathway is seen as ideal for a player on the cusp of becoming a star but who still needs to work on specific aspects of his game. Similar paths have been observed with players like Ilya Protas and Konsta Helenius, who adapted in the AHL before joining their respective NHL teams.
Bjorck’s arrival in Winnipeg is anticipated for September, as he confirmed in a social media video.
Source: sportsnet.ca
