Since ancient times, undue importance has been given to low-sized prospects. Look no further than Cole Caufield, the 5-foot-7 Montreal Canadiens 50-goal scorer who fell to 15th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Despite scoring 72 goals during the season, the previous US development team record (Auston Matthews, 55) was demolished.
The New Jersey Devils could take advantage of that bias towards smaller players by selecting Viggo Bjork if he is still available with their 12th overall pick in the first round on June 26.
Björk Caulfield is not small either. He stands at 5-foot-10, 172 pounds, and watching his style of play in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) or the recent IIHF World Championship should put most size concerns to rest. He has drawn comparisons to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point.
However, we have seen it time and again. Many scouts are stubborn and stale in their analysis of less skilled players, even if those players continue to prove them wrong.
The Athletic draft expert Corey Pronman has Bjork headed to the Devils at #12 in his mock draft. Trading the pick might be in the Devils’ best interest. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about general manager Sunny Mehta, it’s that he’s not afraid to do what he feels is right, even if it’s unpopular.
Thus, if nothing comes of the Devils’ time, using the pick on Bjork could still be an incredible option. Based on skill and talent alone, he is in the top five.
Playing against NHL talent at the World Championship, he didn’t look out of place in any way. Take it from the great Sidney Crosby himself:
“It’s not easy [being that young at Worlds] … You know, he’s very balanced and you can tell he’s competitive. He’s not the biggest guy but he sees the ice well, makes good shots, does everything well. The way he competed, he was really tenacious with the puck.”
Sweden has equalized against Canada in the power play.
Viggo Björk (#2026NHLDraft) wins the faceoff against Ryan O’Reilly, Oliver Ekman-Larsson finds Lucas Raymond who makes no mistakes, just sneaks past him to tie the game!
– Tony Ferrari (@theTonyFerrari) 15 May 2026
Björk has two points (1G, 1A) in three games, as well as a disallowed goal, and despite his youth he has not shied away from participating in (and winning) puck battles. Both his playing ability and general hockey IQ seem well ahead of his age.
“They doubt [related to size] “Should fade out early,” said Ivan Ortiz of SMAHT scouting. “He is a well-rounded, intelligent player who is already managing the physical demands of professional hockey. Bjork plays with consistent energy and awareness, constantly scanning the ice and staying engaged in all three zones.
If the Devils retain Nico Hischier – which they should – the 1-2-3 punch of Hughes, Hischier and Bjork could be absolutely lethal on the road.
Bjork can also excel on the right wing, which could be a better option if he becomes a perennial 50+ point producer.
Viggo Bjork preventing Canadian defenders from pressuring a shot is something that won’t show up on the stat sheet or that people who aren’t looking for it won’t notice.
What you do is equally important #NYR pic.twitter.com/ZF2cJu6v12
– NYLOUIE TM️ (@NYLOuie) 15 May 2026
There is no guarantee that Björk will still be on the board at pick No. 12. But if he is, which wouldn’t be a surprise given his drafting history, the Devils shouldn’t think too much about it.
History with Mehta says he probably won’t think too much about it; They had Jesper Bratt, who was drafted #172 in 2016, ranked as the third best player in the entire draft via their draft model.
As GM, Mehta is clearly in a much more influential position than he was a decade ago. Fans should have full faith in Mehta and company. Decide to pursue.
#Devils #advantage #NHL #draft #bias #selection
