Bjorck banking on patience that first NHL point will come

Viggo Bjorck believes it’s just a matter of time.

But the 18-year-old rookie forward for the Winnipeg Jets says he’s not worrying about his first NHL point after plenty of close calls and near misses so far.

The more important number is 3-0-1 — his team’s record at this point as they head into action on Friday night, hosting the Anaheim Ducks at Canada Life Centre to close out a busy stretch of five games in eight days.

“Just got to keep trying. Eventually it will come, I believe,” Bjorck said following his team’s optional skate on Thursday, which he participated in.

“But in the meantime, I just keep on playing my game, trying to help the team in other ways. It’s a new league, it’s only been four games, but, yeah, I feel like it will come.”

Bjorck is holding down the second-line centre position for the team, flanked by wingers Gabe Vilardi and fellow young Swede Isak Rosen. And while he has yet to record a goal or assist, he has earned rave reviews from his teammates and coaches.

“Young guys come in the league, and there’s a lot coming at them. And we’ve tried to sort of limit that, and at the same time when you’re asking him to make adjustments with the game and understanding certain pieces of the game, he’s been very quick to adapt,” said assistant coach Davis Payne.

“That’s when you know you’ve got a player who’s very conscious on both sides of the puck. I’m not concerned at all about something going in, it eventually will. But his play without the puck, his body position, his 50-50 battles, his strength on the puck when he gets in those battles, all of those say he’s not only adapting well, but at a certain time going to thrive in this league.”

Bjorck admits he’s battled some early butterflies which are now, for the most part, in the rearview mirror. One area he’s really struggled is on faceoffs — his 27.3 success rate is worst on the team — but the Swedish skater says he’s studying what other centres such as Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry are doing well.

“It will probably take a couple of games, but I’ll get there,” he said.

Speaking of Scheifele

The Jets were still buzzing Thursday about his incredible pass to Kyle Connor which set up the winning goal with 60 seconds left to play in regulation against the Avalanche.

“The skill level is unreal,” said Bjorck.

Defenceman Dylan Samberg said he’s glad he wasn’t on the wrong end of the highlight-reel play by having to try and defend against it.

“It’s fun to watch having a front row seat to it. I’ve seen him do that for many years now,” said Samberg.

“I would have never tried to do something like that, but obviously, being able to be right behind that play and be able to watch it in first person, it was unbelievable.”

Payne was asked if that’s the type of play you can draw up on a whiteboard.

“I don’t know about coach or teach, but I know it’s something you’ve got to pay for,” he said with a laugh.

Money well spent in the case of the Jets.

Morrissey watch

It’s pretty much been sunshine and rainbows in Jetsland during the first week — with one possible exception.

Top defenceman Josh Morrissey suffered an apparent hand and/or wrist injury at the end of the first period Wednesday night against Colorado. Morrissey returned to play one shift to begin the middle frame, then exited for good.

He did not participate in Thursday’s on-ice workout and Payne — who met the media in place of head coach Scott Arniel — did not have an update.

The Jets were carrying eight defenceman on the roster to begin the year, so expect Haydn Fleury (who is a left-shot like Morrissey) to come into the lineup if needed.

You can also expect Winnipeg’s remaining core four — Samberg, Neal Pionk, Dylan DeMelo and Mario Ferraro — to pick up heavier minutes as they did over the final two periods in the 3-2 victory over the Avalanche.

“Obviously unfortunate. Hopefully he’s feeling better,” Samberg said of Morrissey.

“I mean it happens throughout the course of a season where someone’s going to go down, but it’s the next man up mentality.”

Fan fest

The Jets didn’t have their usual Fan Fest during training camp last month, but that’s only because they wanted to tie it into the upcoming Heritage Classic weekend.

Fans can now obtain free tickets for the event, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at the RBC Convention Centre, by going to www.winnipegjets.com/fanfest.

This year’s event will include hot stoves and autograph sessions featuring alumni from the Jets 1.0 and 2.0 eras and a 2026 Alumni Game watch party, where fans can cheer on Jets alumni as they face off against the Montreal Canadiens legends that evening at Canada Life Centre.

There will be cultural performances, inflatables, interactive games, photos with mascots Mick E. Moose and Benny and the chance to win autographed memorabilia and concert and game tickets. Food and beverage options will include $5 Jet Dogs.

Fan Fest runs from noon to 8:30 p.m., with the Alumni Game watch party starting at 6:30 p.m.

Limited single game tickets for the Alumni Game are still available.

The Jets are also hosting their 14th annual Gala on Friday, Oct. 23, at the RBC Convention Centre in support of the True North Youth Foundation. And the main event of the weekend goes down Sunday, Oct. 25, at Princess Auto Stadium when the current Jets host the current Canadiens for a regular-season matchup under the lights.

winnipegfreepress.com/mikemcintyre