The New York Islanders have selected Victor Eklund with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The draft took place on June 27 in Los Angeles. Eklund, a left winger from Djurgårdens IF in Sweden, is considered a highly skilled and dynamic player with top-line potential.

About Victor Eklund

Born on October 3, 2006, in Stockholm, Sweden, Victor Eklund is an 18-year-old winger who shoots right. He stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs around 170 pounds. Eklund has played primarily within the Djurgårdens IF system since 2020-21, progressing through their ranks. In the 2024-25 season, he played for their professional team in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-tier league in Sweden, where he helped the team earn promotion to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

Eklund posted impressive stats in HockeyAllsvenskan, with 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points in 42 games. He also added seven points in 16 promotion playoff games. He led Djurgårdens in goals and was fifth in points, with the players ahead of him being older, established professionals. Among first-time draft-eligible players in the league, Eklund led in both goals and points. He also represented Sweden at the 2025 World Junior Championship, contributing two goals and four assists in seven games.

Scouting Report

Victor Eklund is known for his offensive talent, high motor, skating ability, and shot. He is a skilled playmaker with the ability to score from various ranges. Eklund's pace of play is advanced, and he moves quickly and decisively. While he is undersized, he plays with tenacity and competitiveness, making up for his lack of size with skill and work ethic. Some scouts have noted similarities between Eklund and players like Seth Jarvis and Travis Konecny, praising his relentless puck retrieval and involvement on the forecheck.

Concerns about Eklund often revolve around his size and defensive game. However, his offensive abilities and hockey sense are considered strong enough to potentially make him a top-line player in the NHL. Some scouts believe he needs to develop his defensive game and maintain his scoring pace against tougher competition.

Comparisons and Potential

Eklund is the younger brother of William Eklund, who was drafted seventh overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2021. Like his brother, Victor is a dynamic and highly skilled player. Some scouts even suggest that Victor might be more dynamic than his older brother. Victor Eklund has been compared to players like Matthew Tkachuk and Jesper Bratt, modeling his game after Tkachuk's competitive nature and board play.

Analysts project Eklund could become a top-six forward in the NHL, with the potential to be a high-octane point producer. His offensive skills and hockey sense could allow him to become a cornerstone player for the Islanders.

Islanders' Perspective

By selecting Victor Eklund, the New York Islanders add a highly skilled and competitive winger to their prospect pool. Despite concerns about his size, Eklund's talent and potential for growth make him a valuable pick. Some analysts believe that Eklund was a steal at the 16th pick. Eklund could be NHL-ready as early as the 2026-27 season.