Victor Eklund, the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is expected to make the jump to North America for the 2026-27 season.
After a developmental stint in Sweden’s top league and a gold medal at the World Juniors with Team Sweden, the New York Islanders top prospect is ahead of schedule in his development.
At just 19 years old, Eklund’s playmaking ability has caught up to his natural skating stride. After conquering Europe, he appears ready to trade the wider rink for the gritty, high-pressure confines of Long Island.
The Plan: Bringing Eklund to the NHL
While Eklund has been honing his craft overseas, the Islanders’ front office and player development staff have kept a close eye on him with hopes of bringing him to the NHL next season.
The transition isn’t just a rumor—it’s the plan. The Islanders’ development staff has been tracking his progress like a shadow, ensuring that when he finally lands at JFK, he’s ready to jump straight into Patrick Roy’s demanding system.
The communication hasn’t just been professional; it’s been personal.
“They look for my ice time and look how I do in the games, they’re always texting me,” Eklund said. “They’re very nice. I can’t wait to play with the Islanders next year.”
Why the Hype is Real
Eklund isn’t just another prospect; he’s the type of “pest-with-polish” player that defines the modern NHL. He pairs a relentless motor with the kind of refined puck-handling that keeps defenders on their heels. He’s fast, strong with the puck, and irritating to play against.
Big-Game Pedigree: His performance at the World Juniors (2G, 6A in 7 games) proved he thrives under pressure. Scoring in the gold medal game against Czechia cemented his reputation as a “clutch” performer who elevates his game when the lights are brightest.
Adaptable Playmaking: Transitioning to the SHL—a notoriously “defensive league”—has refined his vision. Eighth on Djurgardens in scoring, he’s learned to “get on the inside” of veteran defenders, a skill that will be vital on the smaller North American ice.
The “Pro” Learning Curve: Playing alongside NHL alumni like Joe Snively and Charles Hudon has given Eklund a head start on the nuances of the “show.” He’s moved past the mistakes of the second division, figuring out what is “doable and what’s not” at the elite level.
High-Volume Motor: Despite being one of the youngest on his team, Eklund’s willingness to “work hard every day” to climb the lineup mirrors the blue-collar identity the Islanders have cultivated for decades.
The Bottom Line
Every morning in Sweden, Eklund follows a ritual: waking up to scroll through Islanders highlights and clips of his brother’s games in San Jose. He is a student of the North American game, preparing for the smaller ice and the higher stakes of the NHL.
For an Islanders team looking to get younger and faster without sacrificing their identity, Eklund represents the perfect bridge. With the Rangers in rebuilding mode, the Islanders could soon become New York’s hockey team.
Whether his journey in Bridgeport or he forces his way onto the opening night roster at UBS Arena, one thing is clear: the Islanders’ future is about to get a lot more explosive.