With their two mid-1st-round picks in the 2025 NHL draft, the New York Islanders selected Swedish right wing Victor Eklund at 16th overall and left-shooting defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson at 17th overall. This followed their big splash of the day, selecting Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick after trading Noah Dobson.
Eklund is listed at 5’11”, 169 lbs., and is the younger brother of William Eklund of the San Jose Sharks. Some compare the younger brother to Jesper Bratt based on his style and frame. NHL Central Scouting says he “led under-20 players in Allsvenskan in goals (19) and points (31) in 42 games.