{"id":548375,"date":"2026-04-09T01:07:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T01:07:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/548375\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T01:07:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T01:07:28","slug":"viggo-bjorck-2026-nhl-draft-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/548375\/","title":{"rendered":"Viggo Bj\u00f6rck 2026 NHL Draft Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of the year for\u00a0The Win Column\u2019s\u00a0NHL Draft Rankings and Draft Profiles! Earlier on, we released the\u00a0TWC consolidated 2026 NHL Draft rankings<\/a>. The 2026 NHL Draft will take place on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo. <\/p>\n

Today, we\u2019ll be looking at Swedish forward, Viggo Bj\u00f6rck<\/a>. Bj\u00f6rck played his 2025\u201326 season with the professional Djurgardens IF team, marking him as one of the few top prospects to be playing pro hockey in Sweden.<\/p>\n

Who is Viggo Bj\u00f6rck?<\/p>\n

PlayerPositionShootsHeightWeightNationalityRankingViggo Bj\u00f6rckCentre \/ Right WingRight5\u201910\u201d \/ 177cm172lbs \/ 78kgSwedenTWC Rank #9 \/ CS EU Rank #5<\/p>\n

Bj\u00f6rck is one of the many top options emerging from Sweden this draft. You may have heard Bj\u00f6rck\u2019s name for the first time a few years ago, when he was lighting up the J18 and J20 levels. With Djurgardens IF over the last couple of seasons, Bj\u00f6rck has proved ready for the pro ranks, making the full-time jump this year.<\/p>\n

Bj\u00f6rck\u2019s on-ice production<\/p>\n

YearDraft Rel.LeagueTeamGPGAPP\/GP2022-23D-3U16 Div. 1IFK T\u00e4by HC U16211827452.14U16 SMIFK T\u00e4by HC U16857121.5J18 NationellIFK T\u00e4by HC J1813413171.312023-24D-2U16 Div. 1IFK T\u00e4by HC U16162030503.13U16 SMIFK T\u00e4by HC U16346103.33J18 RegionIFK T\u00e4by HC J18363365982.722024-25D-1J18 RegionDjurg\u00e5rdens IF J1821231.5J18 NationellDjurg\u00e5rdens IF J1841561.5J20 NationellDjurg\u00e5rdens IF J20422747741.76HockeyAllsvenskanDjurg\u00e5rdens IF11011.02025\u201326D+0U20 NationellDjurg\u00e5rdens IF U2041451.25SHLDjurg\u00e5rdens IF4269150.36WJC-20Sweden U2073691.29<\/p>\n

Playing full-time in the SHL, Bj\u00f6rck put up a respectable draft campaign. Across 42 games, Bj\u00f6rck scored six goals and 15 points, which is really good for a player who didn\u2019t turn 18 until March. Another thing that stuck out for Bj\u00f6rck is how his coaches deployed him. Unlike most young players in the SHL, Bj\u00f6rck had lots of trust from his bench. He was receiving power play and penalty-kill time, getting games with 20+ minutes, and even played 1C for Djurgardens in certain stretches.<\/p>\n

Outside of the SHL, Bj\u00f6rck also got the chance to represent his country at the World Juniors back in December. Many can likely remember when he had multiple chances to end the game against Finland in the semis. With his nine points, Bj\u00f6rck finished inside the top 10 in tournament scoring and top three on Sweden, a huge piece on a gold medal-winning team.<\/p>\n

Bjorck\u2019s strengths<\/p>\n

Consistent high-end effort<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s anything that should immediately stick out when watching Bj\u00f6rck, it is his work ethic. Bj\u00f6rck never, I mean never, stops working. Scanning the ice, Bj\u00f6rck finds the most efficient way to make an impact and directs himself to that play. Whether it be a board battle, applying pressure to the puck-carrier, fighting for position, etc. Bj\u00f6rck loves to stay engaged. When the transition to either end has begun, Bj\u00f6rck hustles hard for position. He\u2019s either finding space to be an option offensively or regaining lost advantage on the defensive side. Even when Bj\u00f6rck looks disengaged, he certainly is not and is just taking a smarter route. He loves to strategically get his body into lanes or wait for the puck to become loose and pounce on it.<\/p>\n

Hockey-IQ<\/p>\n

As I alluded to near the end of the previous section, Bj\u00f6rck is an extremely intelligent hockey player. Very rarely does Bj\u00f6rck make plays that have you questioning what the plan was. Head always up, eyes scanning the ongoing situation, Bj\u00f6rck can create opportunity out of nothing and see developing plays instantly. With or without the puck, Bj\u00f6rck subtly moves with the intention to generate open space. Whether it be for himself or his teammate, his success rate is quite high. Then, he takes advantage with a crisp pass or a drive towards the opponent. Bj\u00f6rck can also slip behind defences and create breakaway opportunities with ease.<\/p>\n

I also like the patience Bj\u00f6rck has. Often, you can see Bj\u00f6rck start to tone down the pace he\u2019s playing with, sensing an opportunity to possibly pounce. If he\u2019s not in the puck battle himself, Bj\u00f6rck doesn\u2019t start to jam his stick trying to get the puck loose. Instead, he positions himself to be the first on it when it slips from the battle and starts heading the other way with speed. Another example is, instead of applying pressure to an opponent defensively, he quietly gets into lanes and positions himself to help shut down any opposing offence. This allows him to have success with interceptions or to refind the action no matter what side it ends up on.<\/p>\n

Pace<\/p>\n

Another trait that continues to round out Bj\u00f6rck\u2019s game is his ability to play with pace. That bullet being shot down the ice? Very likely is Viggo Bj\u00f6rck. I find him to be a very quick skater, allowing him to transition from zone to zone swiftly and without issue. This speed pairs with the skill of pouncing on opportunities that I mentioned before. The play can be headed towards his team\u2019s end, the opponent bobbles the puck, and suddenly, Bj\u00f6rck is already on a breakaway headed for a chance on net the other way. Bj\u00f6rck is the player who looks like he\u2019s vibrating when the breakout is preparing to launch.<\/p>\n

The pace also isn\u2019t just in his feet, it\u2019s in his mind and hands, too. When the puck is being cycled in the zone, Bj\u00f6rck moves with an incredible tempo. He can make quick, intelligent plays to improve his team\u2019s chances of generating. In situations, he\u2019ll begin to discreetly scan for a stronger position and attempt to move with the set pace to reach before an opponent notices. Smooth and swift hands make it easy for Bj\u00f6rck to play with speed, whether it be to set up a teammate or move around the zone.<\/p>\n

Puck-skills<\/p>\n

The final aspect of Bj\u00f6rck\u2019s strengths would be his skills with the puck. Fluid movements with the puck on his stick allow Bj\u00f6rck to place his offensive game at the level it has achieved. He can move the puck around defenders with ease, fake out goalies with rapid little movements, and position to shoot or pass in quick succession. An area of Bj\u00f6rck\u2019s puck skills that I specifically adore is his ability to protect the puck. He stays strong on his feet and wards off opponents with the loose hand. It\u2019s especially impressive with his smaller stature. Bj\u00f6rck isn\u2019t shy of having great passing either. In a plethora of situations, Bj\u00f6rck can make the correct and successful pass with proficiency. Paired with his smooth hands, Bj\u00f6rck can make pretty passes that elevate the opportunity to score quite often.<\/p>\n

Bj\u00f6rck\u2019s areas for improvement<\/p>\n

Size<\/p>\n

The only true weakness I could see Bj\u00f6rck having is his size. Although he\u2019s played mainly centre in the SHL this season, it\u2019s not often you see an NHL centre at his 5\u201910\u201d, 172lbs stature. However, Bj\u00f6rck doesn\u2019t play like he\u2019s a bit small for a hockey player. He engages in physicality and finds success in good rates. He\u2019s not often shoved off the puck and holds his ground while carrying. Nonetheless, an additional inch and a few pounds could do some good in making sure he projects at the next level of play.<\/p>\n

Bjorck\u2019s comparables<\/p>\n

One comparable I like a decent amount is another one of my favourites from a few drafts ago, Zach Benson. Like Bj\u00f6rck, Benson is an undersized forward who excels thanks to his smarts, effort, puck skills, and ability to keep up with play. Benson consistently scans the ice and plays with patience, allowing him to capitalize on the mistakes of the opposing team. He engages in physicality despite a smaller stature and is a dawg along the boards. Away from that, Benson is an intelligent passer and puck-mover. Nifty and crafty moves often generate from him, and he sets teammates up with high-danger chances. My only gripe is that Benson\u2019s feet don\u2019t move as fast as Bj\u00f6rck\u2019s, but the pace of in-zone play matches.<\/p>\n

A more experienced comparable for Bjorck would be Tampa Bay Lightning centre Brayden Point. Point brings speed to his game, with the ability to move the puck efficiently. He also adds high hockey-IQ and consistent effort every shift. One aspect I like about this comparison in particular is how Point protects the puck with ease, staying strong on his feet and making drives into space. I\u2019d say Bj\u00f6rck is more of a passer, and Point is more of a shooter, but it\u2019s not like they don\u2019t have success playing the other role if needed.<\/p>\n

Fit with the Flames<\/p>\n

Organizational need addressedTop-6 CentreRealistic pick range6-12NHL timeline1-2 seasonsFlames fit verdictGreat fit<\/p>\n

If the draft lottery balls don\u2019t align for the Flames, Bj\u00f6rck is a fantastic option if you lose out on McKenna and Stenberg. I would say that Bj\u00f6rck would become the team\u2019s best forward prospect and add versatility to the future outlook. Bj\u00f6rck has played mostly at centre, and I think he can succeed there quite easily. However, even if he ends up a winger, I think you\u2019ll be getting him at such a high-level that it won\u2019t necessarily matter.<\/p>\n

In reality, Bj\u00f6rck probably doesn\u2019t hear his name until at least the 6th pick, and even has threats of falling to the teens thanks to his size. However, I\u2019d personally have no issue grabbing him as soon as the big two are off the board.<\/p>\n

With the recent surprises of Zach Benson and Ben Kindel making the NHL at 18, it wouldn\u2019t surprise me at all if Bj\u00f6rck joined that group. Unfortunately, he\u2019s still under contract with Djurgardens in the SHL, so you\u2019re likely looking at an NHL jump in 2027\u201328. I could see Bj\u00f6rck possibly needing an additional season to adjust to the North American style, but that is not likely, in my opinion.<\/p>\n

Summary<\/p>\n

Viggo Bj\u00f6rck is a dynamic centre whose high hockey IQ, never-ending motor, top-end puck skills, and ability to play with incredible pace make him a fantastic option early on in the 2026 NHL draft. Personally, I have strong faith in him panning out to at least be a top-six option, with a good chance of being top-line calibre. I think we could see him in the NHL as early as next season, but his contract in the SHL might get in the way. Whichever team is lucky enough to draft Bj\u00f6rck is getting possibly the highest ceiling from a forward not named McKenna or Stenberg. And with the stigma against undersized players, it may be with a later pick than expected.<\/p>\n

Risk: 1.5\/5<\/p>\n

Reward: 4.5\/5<\/p>\n

NHL Comparable: Zach Benson \/ Brayden Point<\/p>\n

Projection: Dynamic, intelligent, top-line forward<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It\u2019s that time of the year for\u00a0The Win Column\u2019s\u00a0NHL Draft Rankings and Draft Profiles! Earlier on, we released…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":548376,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[462],"tags":[7704,55014,61638,40514,39800,62328,26,14434,5,4,465,466,1970,632,62329,62330,62331,62332,62333,62334],"class_list":{"0":"post-548375","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nhl-draft","8":"tag-2026-nhl-draft","9":"tag-2026-nhl-draft-calgary-flames","10":"tag-2026-nhl-draft-profile","11":"tag-2026-nhl-draft-prospects","12":"tag-2026-nhl-draft-rankings","13":"tag-2026-nhl-draft-scouting-report","14":"tag-calgary-flames","15":"tag-djurgardens-if","16":"tag-hockey","17":"tag-nhl","18":"tag-nhl-draft","19":"tag-nhl-entry-draft","20":"tag-shl","21":"tag-viggo-bjorck","22":"tag-viggo-bjorck-2026-nhl-draft","23":"tag-viggo-bjorck-comparable","24":"tag-viggo-bjorck-nhl-draft","25":"tag-viggo-bjorck-profile","26":"tag-viggo-bjorck-scouting-report","27":"tag-viggo-bjorck-shl"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nhl\/116372075273110350","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548375","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=548375"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548375\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/548376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=548375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=548375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=548375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}