Islanders fans have believed for months that the 2025 NHL Draft would be remembered for more than just landing franchise cornerstone Matthew Schaefer. On Monday night, that belief felt fully validated when another first-rounder delivered on the biggest stage junior hockey has to offer.
Victor Eklund, the Islanders’ No. 16 overall pick, scored a goal and was named Player of the Game as Sweden defeated Czechia 4-2 to win gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship. It was Sweden’s third World Junior title and the first all-European final since 2016.
Eklund opened the scoring in the first period, setting the tone for a Swedish team that never trailed.