7 Facts: Victor Eklund

Victor Eklund was recalled by the New York Islanders on Tuesday and is expected to make his NHL debut against the Carolina Hurricanes.  

Get to know the winger before his NHL debut. 

THE BASICS

Eklund is a  right-handed winger, listed at  5’11” and 170 lbs. He is 19 years old and hails from Stockholm, Sweden.

HE’S A FIRST-ROUND PICK

Eklund was selected 16th overall by the Islanders at the 2025 NHL Draft, making him the second draft pick of first-time GM Mathieu Darche.

HE JUST COMPLETED HIS ROOKIE SEASON IN THE SHL

Eklund posted 24 points (6G, 18A) through 43 games for Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) this past season. Eklund’s 24 points were fourth-most among SHL rookies this past season. His 60 hits were second among SHL rookies.  

Prior to Eklund – Djurgårdens – and promotion to Sweden's top-tier league, the winger recorded 35 points (20G, 15A) in 57 career games over two seasons with Djurgårdens in Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier of pro hockey. He has played in the Djurgårdens organization since 2020, coming up through the junior ranks.

HE HAS MADE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT IN BRIDGEPORT

Eklund made his North American debut with the Bridgeport Islanders on March 27 and has nine points (2G, 7A) in seven games, as well as a shootout winner. Eklund pieced together a five-game point streak from March 28 to April 11.

Bridgeport is 5-2-0 since Eklund arrived.

HE WON GOLD AT THE WORLD JUNIORS

Eklund came out victorious in the World Juniors, earning gold on an international stage in January. He contributed eight points (2G, 6A) in the tournament. It was his second appearance in the tournament, as he served as an alternate captain. Eklund recorded six points (4G, 2A) in the 2025 World Juniors.

HIS BROTHER PLAYS IN THE NHL

Victor’s brother William is rounding out his third full NHL season with the San Jose Sharks. Hockey runs in the family, as his father, Christian Eklund, was also a professional hockey player in Sweden (retired after the 2022-23 campaign).

HE WILL WEAR NUMBER 73

Eklund will become the first Islanders player to wear number 73. He was assigned 73 in Islanders Development Camp last summer.