The New York Islanders announced the signing of Swedish forward Victor Eklund to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 18-year-old was selected 16th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft and is one of the latest blue-chip additions to a rapidly improving Islanders prospect pool.
Eklund earned top honors in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan last season, leading all junior players with 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 42 games for Djurgårdens. His standout performance earned him the prestigious Guldgallret, awarded annually to the top junior player in the league.
Eklund wasn’t supposed to be there when the Islanders stepped up to the podium.