Winnipeg Jets Draft Viggo Bjorck 8th Overall

Bjorck’s high-end compete, energy and elite level processing is what makes him a major threat on the ice. He can produce offensively, but is responsible and effective defensively to win battles and pressure opponents to force turnovers. He’s a model of consistency and never takes a shift off.

THW Prospect Profile Excerpt

“When it comes to Bjorck’s other strengths, his hockey IQ, vision and playmaking are the biggest things scouts point out. As a center, those are invaluable to have in your arsenal when it comes to making it to the NHL. Like most undersized players, his work ethic, motor and competitiveness are also strong suits of his game, along with being strong on his skates and a willingness to get involved in the dirty areas of the ice. His shot is described as accurate and deceptive, which has shown itself regularly on the power play. He is also exceptional defensively and a great penalty killer.

“As for weaknesses, people are always going to point to Bjorck’s size. But, considering his motor, intelligence, strength and agility, that shouldn’t be a concern moving forward. Scouts have also noted his lack of breakaway speed and tendency to do too much with the puck as other areas that he needs to work on.

“Overall, Bjorck’s strengths outweigh his weaknesses, and any team that fixates on his size as a reason not to draft him will most likely regret it, as they have with other undersized forwards like Cole Caufield, Logan Stankoven, Marco Rossi, Zach Benson, and Ben Kindel in the past.”

Continue reading the full player profile here.

How This Affects the Jets’ Plans

This could very well be a great selection for the Jets as they get a highly dynamic, competitive and smart centreman that can play with purpose. With Mark Scheifele as the only one that can produce as the top centre, Bjorck makes himself a potential second line option for the future behind him as they really don’t have a whole lot of household names that can challenge him for that spot.