Viggo Nordlund (LW, L, 5’9″, 170, Skelleftea AIK, 09/22/2006)
Viggo Nordlund is a high-IQ, highly skilled offensive minded left shot forward whose pace, quickness, and competitive instincts allow him to create consistent scoring chances and maintain offensive zone pressure. Despite being undersized, Nordlund has produced at a top-line rate at the J20 level and earned a regular SHL role in his first year of draft eligibility. His elite hands, vision, and scoring instincts are evident and in his numbers, but to translate that success to the National Hockey League, he will need to add significant strength and become more durable and efficient in physical matchups.
Why Viggo Nordlund Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Elite Offensive Tools and Hockey IQ
Nordlund’s skill level and intelligence jump off the page. He’s averaging 2.5 Grade “A” scoring chances per game and scoring on 23% of them — an elite mark that reflects his puck poise and ability to finish around the net. He also completes 90% of his passes, and 1.50 per game lead directly to a teammate’s Grade “A” chance, which is a top-tier number in this class. Nordlund’s ability to read coverage, manipulate defenders, and execute under pressure makes him a true offensive driver at the J20 level. - Skating and Puck Touch Make Him a Constant Threat
He plays fast, but never looks hurried. Nordlund’s first three strides are explosive, and he has excellent straight-line speed with good edge control. He can enter the middle lane with pace, drive wide, or cut back to buy time and open lanes. His quick stick and composure allow him to handle pucks under pressure and make plays with pace. His transition game and off-puck timing allow him to push play and stay involved. - Consistent Impact Against Older Players
He hasn’t just put up numbers in J20 — Nordlund has appeared in 15 SHL games and played internationally for Sweden’s U19 and U20 teams, posting 3 points in 3 games at the U20 level. The fact that he’s an assistant captain for Skelleftea J20 as a first-time draft eligible player further underscores his leadership and maturity. - Compete Level Is Above Average for His Size
While not overly physical, Nordlund doesn’t cheat effort. He forechecks aggressively, engages in puck races, and uses his stick to disrupt and recover pucks — as shown by 1.78 loose puck recoveries after shots and his constant activity off the puck. He’s not afraid to drive the middle or the net, even if it means taking contact.
Why Viggo Nordlund Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Size and Strength Are Real Concerns
At 5’9″, 170 lbs, Nordlund is undersized and lacks the muscle base to hold off larger, more physical defenders at higher levels. His 41% puck battle win rate, 0.31 hits absorbed per game, and 4.4 giveaways per game show that physical engagement still disrupts his game. He’s not weak-willed — just not yet physically prepared for the North American pro grind. - Limited Defensive Impact and Penalty Kill Role
Despite solid skating and IQ, Nordlund has averaged just 0:35 of PK time per game and is not viewed as a defensive specialist. His two-way projection is limited at this stage, and he will need to either bulk up to play more physically or develop into a more trustworthy 200-foot winger to become a top-nine NHL player. - High-End J20 Numbers Haven’t Translated to SHL Yet
In 15 SHL games this season, he has just 1 point. While it’s not unusual for young players to struggle in pro leagues, it shows there’s still a gap between his junior dominance and pro readiness. This could limit his draft stock until he shows more sustained production against older, stronger competition.
Projection and Final Verdict
Draft Range: End of 2nd to 4th Round
NHL Projection: Middle-six playmaking winger with top-six upside if strength improves
Comparable: Mats Zuccarello
Summary:
Viggo Nordlund is a high-end skill winger with top-line J20 production, elite offensive instincts, and a motor that helps mask his physical limitations. His vision, playmaking accuracy, and scoring instincts make him a real power play asset, and his ability to keep his feet moving and make plays under pressure gives him an NHL ceiling. However, his current lack of strength, defensive detail, and lack of pro impact in the SHL make him more of a long-term projection. He’ll need time — and a physical development plan — but the tools are absolutely worth betting on.
Recommendation: Draft at the end of the 2nd round if available. He’s a smart, skilled, and productive offensive talent with leadership and upside. If he fills out physically, he has the tools to become an NHL contributor in a top-six role while being a constant on either power play unit.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images