Jets Hangar:Bjorck Signs ELC, More

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Viggo Bjorck, drafted 8th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets, signed his three-year entry-level contract with the team this past weekend.

#NHLJets announce they've signed 2026 first-round pick Viggo Bjorck to a three-year, entry-level contract that carries an AAV of $1.075 million in the NHL.
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) July 13, 2026

This signing came as a surprise somewhat because Bjorck was already signed to play another SHL year with Djurgården. However, news broke out that Bjorck had an out-clause that enabled him to immediately break his contract with the SHL team; something we don’t see too often these days.

This turn of events all but confirms that the Jets management is ready to hand over their second line centre role to Bjorck as soon as training camp. If Bjorck does not have a great training camp/pre-season or if Brayden Yager has a better one, Bjorck could begin the year with the
Manitoba Moose. However, at this moment, it seems like that 2 nd line centre spot is Bjorck’s to lose.

Watching Bjorck centre Sweden’s top line at this summer’s World Hockey Championships and go toe to toe with Sidney Crosby, I think it’s safe to say that Bjorck is ready to push for a centre spot in the NHL. The sole concern — because many NHL teams have “gone big” again down the middle — is the player’s 5-foot-9, 177-pound frame.

Hellebuyck trade still hands over team

For the longest time, it was assumed that any trade package for Connor Hellebuyck would bring back a proven second-line centre to the Jets. Now that Bjorck has signed his entry-level contract and seems favored to begin the year as the team’s second-line centre, the Jets may not demand centre to come back in any Hellebuyck trade.

Mike McIntyre: I firmly believe Connor Hellebuyck is going to be traded. In fact, I’d put the odds somewhere north of 95 per cent. I just don’t know exactly when, or to whom – Winnipeg Free Press (7/11)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 12, 2026

It still seems like the Buffalo Sabres are the most logical landing spot for Hellebuyck. He is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade to the Sabres. Additionally, the Sabres seem to have the necessary assets that the Jets management would covet in a
Hellebuyck trade. Hypothetical example.

To Sabres: Connor Hellebuyck (G)
To Jets: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (G), Jack Quinn (RW), Radim Mrtka (RD)

Something along the lines of this trade template may be enough to satisfy both sides. Let’s see what happens. This not some the Jets want to have drag through the summer and training camp.