Welcome back to what would have been the eighth edition of the “Jets Nation year in review” series to wrap up the Winnipeg Jets 2025-26 season. However, today was the 2026 NHL entry draft in Buffalo, and the Winnipeg Jets held a top 10 selection in the 1st round. The draft was headlined by Gavin McKenna, who was selected 1st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs, who won the draft lottery in May.

Day one of this two day NHL event is one of the most exciting days of the NHL off-season, as fans get to see who their favourite teams will add to their prospect pool, with some players ready to make an instant impact in the league. There’s already been a handful of big trades and signings prior to the draft, which set up for an unexpected and thrilling draft day. After a disappointing season with no playoffs, the Jets found themselves with the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft.

Before GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Jets stepped up to the podium with the 8th overall pick in the 1st round, here’s how the first seven picks of the draft unfolded:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna (LW)

2. San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg (LW)

3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra (C)

4. Buffalo Sabres: Daxon Rudolph (RD)

5. New York Rangers: Alberts Smits (LD)

6. Calgary Flames: Carson Carels (LD)

7. Seattle Kraken: Chase Reid (RD)

The Jets were left with a few very good options with this pick, both at forward and defence. Before the draft, teams generally have plans ready for however the draft shakes out before they select. Given the prior selections, I’m sure that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff had a good feeling about the player that was about to be announced as the Jets pick. After all the anticipation, the Winnipeg Jets selected Viggo Bjork from Djurgardens IF of the SHL with the 8th overall pick in the 2026 entry draft.

Bjork is highly intelligent and versatile right handed shooting forward that has experience playing both at centre and at right wing. Most mock drafts had Bjork being selected in the 6 to 9 range, but he was a late riser leading into the final months before the draft. The 18-year old forward is on the smaller side, listed at 5’9″ and 177 lbs, but he makes up for the lack of size with his skill and hockey IQ. In 42 games with Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Hockey League, Bjork scored 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points.

Bjork played on Team Sweden at the U-20 World Juniors, and impressed alongside number two overall pick Ivar Stenberg with 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points in 7 games. After concluding his pre-draft season, Bjork was selected to Sweden’s Men’s team to the World Championship. Team Sweden went with several younger players at this year’s tournament in Switzerland, but they all impressed, including Bjork. Playing against some of the best talent in the world, Bjork notched 6 points (1 goal and 5 assists) in 8 games. Jets fans should be very pleased with this selection, and you can count on Bjork’s hyper competitiveness to make an impact in the Jets lineup in the near future.

Welcome to the Winnipeg Jets Viggo Bjork!

The 2026 NHL Draft continues tomorrow afternoon at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York with rounds 2-7. The Winnipeg Jets will be selecting at picks 71, 116, 135, 167, 199 and 220. Stay tuned for the next edition of the Jets Nation “year in review” series article coming in a few days, and draft coverage following the end of this two-day event!

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