The New York Islanders organization officially solidified a key piece of its future on Monday, announcing the signing of forward Victor Eklund to a three-year, entry-level contract. Eklund, selected 16th overall in the recent 2025 NHL Entry Draft, represents a significant addition to the team`s prospect pool and a formal step in his professional journey.
Eklund, an 18-year-old native of Stockholm, Sweden, spent the past season honing his skills in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden`s second-highest professional league, with Djurgardens. There, he demonstrated notable offensive prowess, recording 31 points, including 19 goals and 12 assists, across 42 games. His performance wasn`t limited to domestic play; Eklund has also been a fixture on the international stage, proudly representing Sweden at the last two World Junior Championships, earning a bronze medal in the 2024 tournament. This international exposure against top peer competition is often a strong indicator of a player`s potential transition to the North American game.
The three-year entry-level contract is the standard agreement for young players entering the NHL system. It marks the formal commitment between the player and the club and is a crucial step on Eklund`s path toward potentially playing in the National Hockey League. While specific financial terms were not publicly disclosed, these contracts are structured according to the league`s collective bargaining agreement, providing a framework for salary and bonuses based on performance and league assignment (NHL vs. AHL).
It`s worth noting the path by which Eklund landed with the Islanders organization. The 16th overall selection, along with the 17th pick (which the Islanders also utilized), was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in a trade that saw defenseman Noah Dobson depart Long Island. This significant transaction represented a strategic decision by the Islanders to trade a proven, younger roster player for multiple high-end draft assets – a classic `futures` play aimed at restocking the prospect cupboard with potential difference-makers.
With the ink now dry on his first professional contract, the immediate focus shifts to Eklund`s integration into the Islanders` development system. He is expected to participate in the team`s upcoming prospect and training camps, providing the coaching staff and management with a direct evaluation of his skills against North American professional competition. While there is no guarantee of an immediate jump to the NHL roster – development leagues like the AHL or even another year refining his game in Europe could be options depending on his progress – signing the entry-level contract signals the organization`s intent to shepherd him through their ranks sooner rather than later. He is, after all, one of the key offensive prospects acquired via a major trade, carrying the weight of expectation that comes with being a first-round selection.
Signing a first-round pick is always a moment generating anticipation for any fanbase. In Victor Eklund, the Islanders have secured a forward with a promising offensive toolkit, a proven ability to produce against older competition in Europe, and valuable international experience. This contract isn`t merely a piece of paperwork; it`s a formal step towards seeing what the 16th overall pick of 2025 can potentially bring to the ice at UBS Arena in the seasons to come, representing a tangible piece of the organization`s envisioned future.