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Viggo Bjorck Highlights Sidney Crosby as Role Model at NHL Scouting Combine
Viggo Björck, the 18‑year‑old centre from Djurgårdens IF, spoke openly about the player he models his game after during the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, N.Y. On Saturday, after completing the fitness tests at LECOM Harborcenter, Björck said, “I’ve always looked up to Sidney Crosby. It’s hard to hold anyone to his standard.” The Swedish prospect added that he admires Crosby’s two‑way play, noting, “I like his two‑way game as well.”
Björck’s comments come after a season that has seen his draft stock rise steadily. He finished the 2025‑26 season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Djurgårdens IF, posting strong numbers that earned him a spot on the Swedish roster for the 2026 World Championship. The tournament, held in May, was Björck’s first major international competition after turning 18. He faced fellow Swedish forward Victor Eklund and Canadian centre Sidney Crosby in the championship, a matchup that highlighted the similarities and differences between the two players.
Standing 5‑foot‑9 and weighing 177 pounds, Björck is considered a compact player who uses his low centre of gravity to his advantage. He said, “Maybe I’m not the tallest guy, but I feel like I’m a compact individual. I try to use my body as an advantage with a low centre of gravity.” His size has not deterred scouts; in fact, his skill set and hockey IQ have drawn praise from teammates and coaches.
Adam Andersson, a Swedish forward who has played with Björck since childhood, described him as “very skilled” and noted his “hockey IQ.” Andersson added that Björck is “very humble” and has a “good work ethic” that will make him a star in the NHL.
The combine also featured other prospects who are shaping the 2026 draft class. Chase Reid, a 2007‑born American defenceman, spoke about his journey from the North American Hockey League to the Ontario Hockey League’s Soo Greyhounds. He said, “It’s definitely a huge honour to be highly rated, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the coaches and teammates who helped me along the way.” Reid cited Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets as a model for his game, noting that both players can run a power play and take control of a game.
Right‑handed defencemen are a recurring theme in the top‑10 draft discussion. Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, and Daxon Rudolph are all right‑handed and have been highlighted by scouts for their potential impact. Rudolph acknowledged that his handedness is a “bonus” in meetings with teams. Verhoeff, who is moving to the NCAA with North Dakota, said his game has become more well‑rounded and mature, allowing him to contribute in tight, low‑scoring games.
The combine’s focus on player development and style has also drawn attention to the importance of two‑way play, a trait Björck and Reid both emphasize. Björck’s admiration for Crosby’s balanced game aligns with the league’s emphasis on players who can contribute offensively and defensively.
Björck’s draft position is still being debated, but he is firmly in the top‑10 conversation. Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala placed him at number four in his final pre‑draft ranking. His performance at the World Championship and his strong SHL season have kept him on the radar of NHL teams.
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place in late June, and teams will be evaluating prospects like Björck, Reid, Verhoeff, and Rudolph. Each player’s unique attributes—size, skill, handedness, and two‑way capability—will influence their draft status.
In the coming weeks, Björck will continue to showcase his abilities in the SHL and potentially in international play. His draft stock remains high, and teams will be watching his performance closely as they prepare for the draft.
The combine has highlighted the diverse skill sets and backgrounds of the 2026 draft class, with players like Björck and Reid demonstrating that success in the NHL can come from a range of physical profiles and playing styles.
Björck’s comments come after a season that has seen his draft stock rise steadily. He finished the 2025‑26 season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Djurgårdens IF, posting strong numbers that earned him a spot on the Swedish roster for the 2026 World Championship. The tournament, held in May, was Björck’s first major international competition after turning 18. He faced fellow Swedish forward Victor Eklund and Canadian centre Sidney Crosby in the championship, a matchup that highlighted the similarities and differences between the two players.
Standing 5‑foot‑9 and weighing 177 pounds, Björck is considered a compact player who uses his low centre of gravity to his advantage. He said, “Maybe I’m not the tallest guy, but I feel like I’m a compact individual. I try to use my body as an advantage with a low centre of gravity.” His size has not deterred scouts; in fact, his skill set and hockey IQ have drawn praise from teammates and coaches.
Adam Andersson, a Swedish forward who has played with Björck since childhood, described him as “very skilled” and noted his “hockey IQ.” Andersson added that Björck is “very humble” and has a “good work ethic” that will make him a star in the NHL.
The combine also featured other prospects who are shaping the 2026 draft class. Chase Reid, a 2007‑born American defenceman, spoke about his journey from the North American Hockey League to the Ontario Hockey League’s Soo Greyhounds. He said, “It’s definitely a huge honour to be highly rated, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the coaches and teammates who helped me along the way.” Reid cited Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets as a model for his game, noting that both players can run a power play and take control of a game.
Right‑handed defencemen are a recurring theme in the top‑10 draft discussion. Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, and Daxon Rudolph are all right‑handed and have been highlighted by scouts for their potential impact. Rudolph acknowledged that his handedness is a “bonus” in meetings with teams. Verhoeff, who is moving to the NCAA with North Dakota, said his game has become more well‑rounded and mature, allowing him to contribute in tight, low‑scoring games.
The combine’s focus on player development and style has also drawn attention to the importance of two‑way play, a trait Björck and Reid both emphasize. Björck’s admiration for Crosby’s balanced game aligns with the league’s emphasis on players who can contribute offensively and defensively.
Björck’s draft position is still being debated, but he is firmly in the top‑10 conversation. Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala placed him at number four in his final pre‑draft ranking. His performance at the World Championship and his strong SHL season have kept him on the radar of NHL teams.
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place in late June, and teams will be evaluating prospects like Björck, Reid, Verhoeff, and Rudolph. Each player’s unique attributes—size, skill, handedness, and two‑way capability—will influence their draft status.
In the coming weeks, Björck will continue to showcase his abilities in the SHL and potentially in international play. His draft stock remains high, and teams will be watching his performance closely as they prepare for the draft.
The combine has highlighted the diverse skill sets and backgrounds of the 2026 draft class, with players like Björck and Reid demonstrating that success in the NHL can come from a range of physical profiles and playing styles.
