Jets Hand 18-Year-Old Viggo Björck a Top-Six Role in NHL Debut Against Bruins

It is a feat usually reserved for the very top picks, but Björck is not only set to make his NHL debut, he is expected to do so as a top-six forward, centering Winnipeg 's second line between Gabe Vilardi, who came close to 70 points a season ago, and Isak Rosen, the 14th overall pick in 2021.

The unit will be one of the most interesting looks of the night, as the Jets have opted to break up the lethal top line that carried much of their offense last season. Vilardi will move away from Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, who will instead play with Cole Perfetti in the opener, while Björck gets a steady, battle-tested presence in Vilardi who can hopefully help him adjust to the pro level quickly.

It is an extremely bold move for Winnipeg to throw an 18-year-old, five-foot-nine center into the fire of the NHL right away, especially against a physical team like the Bruins, and it should make for one of the most compelling games in recent Jets history. Many are already touting Björck as one of the best prospects the franchise has ever had, and his journey begins far sooner than almost anyone expected.