Illegal Curve Hockey

We heard from Jets prospect Kevin He as he shares his thoughts on his last season of junior, joining the Moose for the playoffs, getting ready to turn pro and more.

In the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Jets used the first of their two picks on Alofa Tunoa Ta'amu, a big-bodied defensive defenceman who plays for the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings. "Noa," as he is known, spoke in Winnipeg today for the first time as a drafted prospect, discussing becoming the first player of Samoan heritage ever selected in the NHL Draft, his style of play, becoming a Canadian citizen, and more.

Jets prospects stayed off the ice today for training purposes, but we still had a chance to catch up with several of them, including first-round pick (8th overall) Viggo Björck. He discussed being drafted by Winnipeg, joining an organization with so many fellow Swedes, the possibility of playing in the NHL next season, and more.

Winnipeg Jets Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Hillier discusses the team's picks following the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo.

And you're gonna wanna hear what he has to say about 8th overall selection Viggo Björck.

The Jets go to the QMJHL for their fifth round pick as they select Alexandre Taillefer with the 135th overall pick.

He’s a left-shot defenceman standing 6’0″ who plays for the Québec Remparts, will return there next season and is committed to play at the University of Massachusetts in the NCAA for the 2027-28 season.

The Jets go back to the USHL for their 4th round selection taking centre (and Minnesotan) Zach Wooten who is a 6'2", 20-year old prospect committed to the University of Wisconsin next season.

He's an overager who was selected in his third year of eligibility although that seems to only have motivated the young man.

The Jets go the goalie route with their first selection of Day 2 of the NHL Draft picking Samuel Hrenak in the third round (71st overall).

He's a 6'3" Slovakian netminder who catches left playing with the Fargo Force of the USHL. And he is quite excited to be a member of the Winnipeg organization based on this chat.

It's NHL Draft Weekend, and the Illegal Curve Hockey Show is here to break down everything ahead of Day 2 of the NHL Draft as well as reflect on Day 1.

As it stands, the Winnipeg Jets are scheduled to make six selections on the second day of the draft, including picks in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th rounds. Of course, with trades always a possibility, those plans could change before the day is done.

Join Dave Minuk, Ezra Ginsburg, and Drew Mindell as they recap Winnipeg's first-round selection, analyze the Jets' Day 2 picks, discuss any trades and surprises around the league, and examine what the newest prospects could mean for the future of the organization.

Guest:

Murat Ates of The Athletic Winnipeg.

Unlike last year the Jets made an early selection when they called outViggo Björck at No. 8. Once the full NHL Draft concluded we heard from GM Kevin Cheveldayoff who was clearly quite happy with the player they got this evening in Buffalo.

Fresh off hearing the Jets call his name with the 8th overall selection, we heard from Swedish centre Viggo Björck in his first media availability as a drafted player.