Viggo Björck: A Dark Horse for Rangers’ No. 5 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

As the countdown to the 2026 NHL Draft approaches its final days, the New York Rangers appear poised to bolster their blue line with the fifth overall pick. With a strong pool of defensemen like Chase Reid, Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff, and Alberts Šmits potentially available, the Rangers may find it challenging to pass on such talent.

However, if the Rangers decide to pivot towards a forward, one name has emerged as a compelling option: Viggo Björck. Peter Baugh and Vincent Mercogliano from The Athletic have identified the center as a “dark horse” candidate to be selected by the Blueshirts at the fifth spot.

Björck, widely regarded as the consensus No. 2 center in this draft class, trails only Caleb Malhotra, who is expected to go before the Rangers’ turn. Last season, Björck made a significant impact while playing for Djurgårdens IF in the SHL, where he suited up for 42 games, notching 15 points and earning a spot on the top line.

While his point total may not jump off the page, the experience he gained as a 17-year-old logging over 20 minutes a night in one of the world’s premier leagues is noteworthy. Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff remarked on Björck’s electrifying performance at the World Juniors, highlighting his impressive hockey sense and raw skill set.

At the 2026 World Championship, Björck further solidified his reputation, holding his own against some of the NHL’s best. Despite being 5-foot-9, his stature hasn’t hindered his game; instead, he compensates with a high hockey IQ and elite playmaking abilities. NHL Director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen noted, “He’s the guy who can survive everywhere he goes, even though he’s a smaller body. He showed that in the Swedish Hockey League and also on the men’s national team. … He’s like a Sidney Crosby-type player, and his hockey intelligence shows through with clever movement and spatial awareness in tight areas, which will, in my mind, help him adjust to the NHL in the future.”

If the Rangers opt to select a forward with their fifth pick, Viggo Björck could very well be the player to watch.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.