amny
ELMONT, NY — Victor Eklund's first career NHL goal in Saturday's 6-0 win over the New Jersey Devils perfectly illustrated his all-around game. With the Islanders leading 3-0 in the second period, the rookie forward drove to the net off an offensive-zone face-off, pressuring Devils goalie Nico Daws. When the rebound caromed to the left boards, Dawson Mercer looked to clear, but Eklund's relentless forecheck forced a turnover. The 20-year-old then moved to the middle, took a pass from Cal Ritchie, and ripped a forehand wrister into the top of the net.
"I still have goosebumps," Eklund said Monday. "It creates a big smile on me every day every time I watch it. I can't believe it."
While Eklund's skill justified his selection as the No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, it's his play away from the puck that has caught the attention of teammates and coaches just two games into the 2026-27 season.
"He does little things on the ice that may not be noticeable to the fan or the people watching, but when you play with him, just the little details of getting in guys' ways, taking sticks away," veteran forward Brayden Schenn told amNewYork. "I don't have to go through them all. He makes it easier on his linemates because he's so smart."
That wasn't the only time the word "smart" was used to describe the young Swede. "It's always easier to coach a smart player; it doesn't matter their age," Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said. "And he's a really smart player. He's got a really good hockey IQ. You have a handful of guys on your team that you go find them the day after the game with a clip; they know what it is before you even press play. He's one of those guys. There are other guys where there's a blank stare."
Eklund's complete game helped him rapidly ascend to the pros after coming over from Swedish club Djurgårdens IF in March. By April, he made his NHL debut, recording an assist in the regular-season finale against the Carolina Hurricanes. Through three NHL games, he has three points and looks completely at home on the Islanders' second line alongside Schenn and Ritchie.
"I think he understands that this is what gets you more ice time, and that's what gets you in the NHL," Schenn said. "That's what keeps you in the NHL, right? If you can understand that at a young age and realize there's lots of skilled players in the world, it's the guys that are smart and play both ends of the ice are the ones that end up getting more ice time and more trust."
"I have a lot of confidence right now due to the team doing so good," Eklund added. "Getting rid of the first goal kind of quick is definitely good for the confidence."
Key Analysis
Eklund's early success stems from a mature two-way game that belies his age. His hockey IQ and attention to detail have earned him trust from the coaching staff and a top-six role. If he continues to develop, he could become a cornerstone for the Islanders.
Originally reported by amny.