Swedish Isles Embracing Eklund

The New York Islanders are becoming a home away from home for the Swedish prospect Victor Eklund, who has been taken under the wing of the Isles Swedish contingent.

"We are always trying to take care of him here on the rink and stuff like that," said Emil Heineman on the Swedes’ relationship with Eklund. "It's actually a pretty good crew now. We're actually a bunch of Swedes here."

Before Training Camp, Simon Holmström and Heineman had only seen Eklund a few times, including last season’s final game, where Eklund made his NHL debut and tallied his first NHL point.

"I've actually never talked to them before coming to Dev Camp, before I got drafted,” Eklund said. “It was the first time, but now I feel like I've known them for a while. They're super nice. Hopefully we're going to be teammates in the future.”

The support of fellow Swedes has made Eklund’s transition to North American hockey easier. Eklund tallied 10 points (3G, 7A) in nine American Hockey League games with Bridgeport last season.

"It's very nice. It's easy," Eklund said of being with the other Swedes. "Obviously, I have my best friend [Calle] Odelius. We stay close in the summers as well, so it's been pretty easy to have him. And then you have guys like Heineman and Holmström who help me."

The Swedes have tried to make the Islanders organization feel like home for the 19-year-old. Sometimes it’s as easy as giving him a ride somewhere on Long Island.

"Just trying to be there for him and support him in whatever way I can,” Holmström said. “Try to help him and drive him around if that's what he needs as well, and just try and make him as comfortable as possible."

This year marks Eklund’s first NHL Training Camp, as he returned to his home country to play for Djurgårdens IF following the 2025 Draft. The support from Heineman and Holmström has helped to make the rookie comfortable during his first camp.

“It's fun,” Eklund said about attending Training Camp. “Lots of excitement coming here to show what I can do, and I'm having the best time.”

Eklund has impressed during his time at both the Islanders Rookie Camp and Training Camp. Eklund scored during both Rookie Scrimmages against the New Jersey Devils – and in an Islanders scrimmage on the second day of camp. On Sunday, Eklund played on the Islanders top line with Cal Ritchie and Ondrej Palat against New Jersey. In Training Camp, Eklund’s competitiveness has stood out to Holmström.

"He's very intense out there," Holmström said. "He never gives up on a play. He's fast. He's got some great vision as well. He puts the puck in net, and he's just a great competitor."

Eklund has skated on a line with Heineman and Jean-Gabriel Pageau during the Islanders Training Camp. Heineman is impressed with what he has seen from Eklund while working with him.

 "He's a really skilled player, and what I notice, especially the small-area games where he really sneaks by or is able to get past a little bit just to handle the puck and give a good pass," Heineman said. "He is really sneaky with his quick turns, stuff like that, and then when he gets to space, he can shoot and make a really good pass as well."

Eklund is soaking up working alongside the two veterans.

“[It’s] so much fun,” Eklund said of skating with Heineman and Pageau. “Two super good hockey players. They helped me every time I was here. Just enjoying every second.”