Winnipeg Jets Bolster Forward Group
The Winnipeg Jets have chosen forward Viggo Bjorck as the eighth-overall pick in the NHL Draft. Bjorck, an 18-year-old, has played his entire career with Djugardens in Sweden. This past season, he recorded six goals and 15 points in 42 games with Djugardens IF.
Bjorck also contributed to Sweden‘s gold medal victory at the World Juniors, scoring three goals and adding nine points in seven games. He played alongside Ivar Stenberg, who was the second-overall pick in the draft. This marks the first time the Jets have had a top-10 selection in an NHL Draft since 2016, when they picked Patrik Laine second overall.
The Jets are looking to rebound after a challenging season. In 2024-25, the team secured the Presidents’ Trophy with a 56-22-4 record. However, their performance declined this past season, finishing with a 35-35-12 record and missing the playoffs for only the second time since the 2016-17 draft.
2026 NHL Draft Overview
The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft is being held at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The first round took place on Friday, with rounds 2-7 scheduled for Saturday. Leading up to the draft, NHL.com provided extensive coverage, including profiles of top prospects and podcasts.
The draft saw significant movement, particularly with the Buffalo Sabres, who acquired the No. 4 pick by trading defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Sabres, who won the Atlantic Division and made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011, now hold a key position in the draft.
The Toronto Maple Leafs secured the No. 1 pick after winning the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5. The San Jose Sharks, who won the second lottery drawing, hold the No. 2 selection for the second consecutive year. They also acquired the No. 9 pick from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward William Eklund.
Top Selections and Prospect Analysis
According to mock drafts by Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale, the Toronto Maple Leafs were predicted to select left wing Gavin McKenna from Penn State with the No. 1 pick. McKenna, 18, entered the season as the projected top pick and finished tied for fifth with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games at the NCAA level. He also contributed to Canada‘s bronze medal win at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The San Jose Sharks were expected to choose left wing Ivar Stenberg from Frolunda with the No. 2 pick. Stenberg, also 18, recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games in the Swedish Hockey League and was recognized as one of Sweden‘s top three players at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
The Vancouver Canucks were projected to select center Caleb Malhotra from Brantford at No. 3. Malhotra, 18, was second among OHL rookies with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games and had 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 15 playoff games, helping Brantford reach the conference finals. His father, Manny Malhotra, was hired as the Canucks coach on June 1.
The Buffalo Sabres, with the No. 4 pick, had differing predictions. Kimelman suggested defenseman Chase Reid from Sault Ste. Marie, while Morreale leaned towards defenseman Keaton Verhoeff from North Dakota. Reid, 18, is considered a top defenseman with strong skating and puck-moving abilities. Verhoeff, a 17-year-old right-shot defenseman, showed significant improvement in his NCAA season, recording 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 36 games.
The New York Rangers, holding the No. 5 pick, were linked to defenseman Alberts Smits from Munchen.
Read Also
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Source: tsn.ca
