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Viggomania ran wild this week. And the Winnipeg Jets latest first-round pick did everything in his power to keep the hype train rolling.

By the time Viggo Bjorck skated off the ice on Friday at Hockey For All Centre and signed a bunch of autographs and posed for photos, it was abundantly clear that the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft had left a positive impression on the Jets fan base.

Although it’s important to remember where we are in the calendar, Bjorck showcased his skillset on numerous occasions, whether it was making a deft pass up the middle to Jacob Julien to open the scoring during the scrimmage or burying a dish from Alfons Freij to show off his finishing ability.

Bjorck also provided a glimpse of his competitive nature when he got involved in a discussion over whether or not the goals scored during the shootout held between periods would count in this battle between Team White and Team Blue.

It turns out they did, much to the chagrin of Bjorck.

“A lot of fun. Great getting to know a lot of new people,” said Bjorck. “Learn (a lot of) stuff here, in terms of mental health and how you’re going to treat yourself as an athlete and all that. Just an overall great experience.”

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff ended any speculation about which position Bjorck might play once he’s ready to suit up in the NHL.

“Viggo is a centre. Period,” said Cheveldayoff, noting that positive discussions about the next steps in the development path were discussed with Bjorck and his representation this week.

A final decision about whether or not Bjorck will return to Djurgardens of the Swedish Hockey League has not yet been made, but it won’t be a surprise if the Swedish forward is given every opportunity to compete for the second-line centre job in September.

Bjorck is the most exciting Jets prospect since Patrik Laine arrived on the scene after being chosen second overall a decade ago.

In just a few sessions with reporters, it’s been evident Bjorck is comfortable in the spotlight, even if he doesn’t seek it out. And his passion for the sport and drive to get better shine through.

Bjorck isn’t the type of person to get ahead of himself either. He lives in the moment and is ready to adapt when the situation calls for it.

Even after Cheveldayoff’s declaration of Bjorck’s future position was brought to his attention, he wasn’t making any assumptions about the road ahead.

“Well, you never know what happens,” said Bjorck. “The idea could be playing centre, but who knows if you make it somehow to the wing, or play in the middle as I want. You’ve got to be able to adapt to the things that happen, but that’s what I want to do. So, that would be amazing.”

As for the immediate future of Bjorck, he’s heading back to Sweden to resume summer training after a whirlwind month that helped solidify his path to the NHL.

Even if a few things still need to be ironed out, things are beginning to come into focus.

“It’s something that a lot of people go through during draft year. You’re playing on a team, and then you get picked, and that period of time is kind of unpredictable,” said Bjorck. “But now, you’re able to (get a glimpse of what) your future can look like. It’s what I hope to do and it’s nice.”

Bjorck wasn’t the only Jets prospect to make headlines this week, even if he was the main attraction.

Sascha Boumedienne, the Jets’ first round pick in 2025, was singled out by Cheveldayoff for his skating ability and the organization remains excited about his development.

After helping Sweden capture a gold medal at the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship in Minnesota, the smooth-skating blue-liner entered the transfer portal and will be suiting up for the Ohio State Buckeyes for his junior season after spending his first two NCAA seasons with the Boston University Terriers.

“There have been a lot of close calls. Sweden has been really good in the round robin and really taken care of that part,” said Boumedienne. “Come playoff time, we had kind of struggled the last few years but I’m very happy we could get that done this year and to be a part of that team was an unreal experience. Something you’ve been looking forward to your whole life.”

Forward Zach Nehring, chosen by the Jets in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft, also caught Cheveldayoff’s attention with his skating and finishing ability.

After helping the Western Michigan Broncos capture the NCAA Frozen Four title in 2025 as a freshman, Nehring saw his offensive production dip somewhat as a sophomore (five goals, 17 points in 35 games last season after 13 goals and 30 points in 42 games), but he’s encouraged by the growth of his all-around game.

“My game isn’t going to be putting up 80 points in the NHL,” said Nehring, who is six-foot-five and 201 pounds. “It’s going to be my little intangibles, what am I doing each game to make a difference for the team, and that was good for me, and really important to know what I had to do each game to be impactful, and then the goals will come.”

“Obviously I don’t want to get my mind too far ahead. We’ll see how the season goes. It’ll be a big year for me, and it’s going to be important to see where I’ll be at, and if I’ll make that jump or not.”

The Jets also have a number of prospects getting ready for the next phase in their development with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, including forwards Kevin He and Kieron Walton and defencemen Garrett Brown and Freij – all of whom spent time with the primary affiliate during the Calder Cup playoffs in the spring.

“We’re going to be a young group with the Moose this year,” said Cheveldayoff. “Lots of guys turning pro for the first time. You saw a couple depth signings but it’s going to be on the shoulders of those young players to come in. Some of them are first year, some of them need to continue to take steps, but that’s what it’s all about.”

winnipegfreepress.com/kenwiebe