The New York Islanders have formalized their commitment to promising young forward Victor Eklund, signing the Swedish prospect to a three-year, entry-level contract. The announcement, made Monday, secures the future of the player the Islanders selected 16th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Eklund, an 18-year-old native of Stockholm, spent the past season honing his skills with Djurgardens in Sweden`s HockeyAllsvenskan league. He demonstrated significant offensive ability, tallying 31 points through 19 goals and 12 assists in 42 games. This performance highlights his capability as a versatile forward with a knack for both scoring and setting up plays.
His resume also includes valuable international experience. Eklund has proudly represented Sweden at the last two World Junior Championships, a highly competitive tournament showcasing the world`s top young talent. Notably, he earned a bronze medal with the team in the 2024 tournament, further solidifying his status as a prospect ready for high-pressure environments.
The selection of Eklund at 16th overall was part of a significant transaction for the Islanders organization. The team acquired both the 16th and 17th overall picks in the 2025 draft from the Montreal Canadiens in a trade that saw defenceman Noah Dobson move to Montreal. This strategic move underscored the Islanders` intent to aggressively bolster their prospect pipeline with high-end, draft-eligible talent, identifying Eklund as a key piece in that plan.
Signing an entry-level contract is a crucial milestone for any young player navigating the path to professional hockey. It marks the formal transition from draft pick to organizational asset under contract, signaling that the team views the player as a legitimate prospect for their system. For Eklund, this contract represents the next step in his development pathway, offering the Islanders a skilled forward with international pedigree and a strong statistical track record from a competitive European league. The focus now shifts to training camps and development programs, where Eklund will aim to prove he is ready to contribute to the Islanders` future success. While his immediate destination—whether the NHL roster or the AHL affiliate—will hinge on his performance and the team`s needs, the signing unequivocally signals the organization`s belief in his potential impact down the line.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow