Summary
The New York Islanders have officially brought their top prospect, Victor Eklund, over to North America. The 19-year-old forward was recalled from his Swedish team, Djurgårdens IF, and assigned to the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League (AHL). This move allows Eklund to finish the current season in the minor leagues while preparing for a chance to make the NHL roster next year. It marks a major step in the development of one of the most promising young players in the Islanders' system.
Main Impact
This move is a clear sign that the Islanders are ready to see what Eklund can do on smaller, North American ice rinks. By joining the Bridgeport Islanders now, Eklund gets a head start on adjusting to the faster pace and more physical style of play found in the AHL. For the Islanders, this is about more than just finishing a season; it is about getting a key piece of their future ready for the 2026-27 NHL season. If Eklund performs well in Bridgeport, he will have a much better chance of earning a permanent spot in New York this fall.
Key Details
What Happened
Victor Eklund’s season in Sweden came to an end after his team, Djurgårdens IF, was knocked out of the playoffs by the Malmö Redhawks. Shortly after the loss, the Swedish club announced that the Islanders were recalling him from his loan. The Islanders then sent him to their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. Eklund is expected to play the remaining games of the AHL schedule, giving the coaching staff a close look at his skills and work ethic.
Important Numbers and Facts
Eklund was the 16th overall pick in last summer’s draft. The Islanders used a pick they got from the Montreal Canadiens in the Noah Dobson trade to select him. During his time in Sweden this year, Eklund played 43 games in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), which is the top professional league in that country. He scored 6 goals and had 18 assists for a total of 24 points. Last year, when his team was in a lower division, he was even more productive, scoring 19 goals in 42 games. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 170 pounds, he is known for being a versatile player who can help his team in many different ways.
Background and Context
Victor Eklund comes from a family with deep roots in professional hockey. His older brother, William Eklund, is already an established player for the San Jose Sharks. Before the draft, many experts believed Victor would be a top-10 pick because of his high skill level and high energy. However, he was still available when the Islanders picked at 16, which many people saw as a lucky break for New York. He was ranked as one of the best young players in Europe before moving to North America.
The Islanders have been working to improve their group of young players. Recently, other top prospects like Matthew Schaefer and Calum Ritchie have moved up to the NHL. This makes Eklund one of the most important players left in the minor league system. While some players are known only for scoring goals, Eklund is praised for being a "workhorse." This means he works hard on defense and helps his teammates just as much as he tries to score himself.
Public or Industry Reaction
Hockey scouts and fans have followed Eklund closely since he was drafted. Many were surprised he fell to the 16th spot, as several scouting reports had him ranked much higher. The general feeling among hockey experts is that the Islanders got a very valuable player later than expected. In Sweden, he was a fan favorite because of his role in helping his team earn a promotion to the top league last year. Now, Islanders fans are excited to see if his success in Europe will translate to the professional game in the United States and Canada.
What This Means Going Forward
The immediate goal for Eklund is to learn the North American game. In Europe, the ice rinks are wider, which gives players more time and space. In the AHL and NHL, the rinks are narrower, meaning players have less time to make decisions. Playing in Bridgeport for the rest of this season will help him learn how to handle that pressure.
There is also a chance he could see NHL action sooner than expected. Because he already signed his professional contract and was on the team's list before the trade deadline, he is eligible to play for the New York Islanders if they make the playoffs. While he will likely stay in the AHL for now, he is a valuable option for the big team if they run into injuries or need a spark during a postseason run.
Final Take
The arrival of Victor Eklund in Bridgeport is a major moment for the Islanders' future. He is a high-energy player with the talent to become a regular contributor in the NHL. By bringing him over now, the team is giving him every tool he needs to succeed. All eyes will be on his performance in the AHL as he prepares to fight for a full-time job in New York next season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Victor Eklund move to the AHL now?
His season in Sweden ended after his team was eliminated from the playoffs. Moving to the AHL now allows him to get used to North American hockey before next season begins.
Can Eklund play in the NHL playoffs this year?
Yes. Since he signed his contract last summer and was on the Islanders' reserve list before the trade deadline, he is eligible to play in both the regular season and the playoffs if the team calls him up.
Who is Victor Eklund’s brother?
His older brother is William Eklund, who is a successful forward playing for the San Jose Sharks in the NHL.