Top prospect Viggo Björck joined fellow Winnipeg hopefuls in Virginia to master professional life, covering essential off-ice skills from financial literacy to mental health before training camp.
Four members of the Winnipeg Jets organization were among the young players taking part in the NHL/NHLPA Player Orientation Program in Virginia last week.
Viggo Björck, Danny Zhilkin, Tyrel Bauer and Isaak Phillips represented the Jets at the annual three-day event, which is jointly administered by the NHL and NHL Players' Association.
Photo courtesy of the NHLPAThe program was established following collective bargaining in 2013 and is designed to prepare young players for life in professional hockey, with approximately 90 players selected by their respective clubs to participate each summer.
The orientation extends well beyond what happens on the ice.
Players take part in sessions covering financial literacy, personal branding, media and social media, mental health, medical rights, gambling, personal safety and sensitivity training. The program also introduces players to resources available through the NHL and NHLPA as they begin their professional careers.
For Winnipeg, the four attendees represent varying stages within the organization.
Björck, selected eighth overall by the Jets at the 2026 NHL Draft, is Winnipeg's highest draft pick since Patrik Laine went second overall in 2016. The 18-year-old is considered the organization's top prospect and could make his NHL debut as early as this season.
Zhilkin, meanwhile, continues his development within the Jets organization, while Bauer has already spent four seasons with the Manitoba Moose. The 24-year-old defenceman recently signed a two-year extension with Winnipeg after recording five points and 110 penalty minutes in 52 AHL games last season.
Phillips rounds out Winnipeg's four representatives at the event.
With rookie and prospect camps approaching and NHL training camps set to open later this month, the orientation serves as one of the final off-ice stops before players turn their attention toward the 2026-27 season.
