Winnipeg Jets sign first-round pick Viggo Björck to entry-level contract

The Winnipeg Jets have signed 18-year-old forward Viggo Björck to a three-year entry-level contract, bringing their highly touted first-round draft pick to North America. Björck, selected eighth overall in the recent NHL Draft, will earn $1.075 million per season under the new deal.

This move deviates from the Jets' typical approach, which often involves allowing overseas picks to play with their home teams for at least their first year after being selected. Björck's former team in Sweden, Djurgården, announced over the weekend that he would not be returning next season, paving the way for his North American debut.

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I’m super excited to sign my first NHL contract. And I’m looking forward to getting to Winnipeg in September.

Björck expressed his excitement about signing his first NHL contract and looks forward to joining the Jets in September. Last season, he recorded six goals and nine assists in 42 professional games for Djurgården in the Swedish Hockey League. He also contributed to Sweden's gold medal victory at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Djurgården's sporting director, Marcus Due-Boje, wished Björck well in a translated statement, respecting his decision to move to North America. The Jets may assign Björck to either the NHL club or its AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, next season. The team currently has a need for a second-line center, and Björck could potentially fill that role. Patrik Laine remains the only European player drafted by the Jets to have played the full subsequent season with the organization.

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We wish Viggo the best of luck at his new club. And respect his decision, even though we would have liked to have seen him in Djurgården for another season.