The Anaheim Ducks plan to stick with the strategy of forming a quick and talented group as they approach the 2025 NHL entry draft at No. 10.
Because Djurgårdens IF Ishockeyförening has shown an ability to develop NHL players, Victor Eklund is a notable player to watch.
Eklund’s performance, intelligence on the ice, and championship play at Djurgården have put him on NHL radars, and the Ducks have a strong chance to build him into a future asset.
2025 NHL Draft: Could the Anaheim Ducks Make a Bold Move at No. 10?
Eklund is the kind of player who doesn’t wait for the game to come to him; he goes right after it. At 5’11” and 161 pounds, the Swedish-born left winger might not be the most physically imposing forward in the 2025 NHL Draft, but his game is built on speed, effort, and a surprising level of toughness.
Skating for Djurgårdens IF, a club recently promoted to the SHL, Eklund consistently held his own against seasoned professionals. His performance wasn’t just impressive because of his age, but because he excelled while facing opponents who were older, stronger, and more experienced.
Eklund plays with pace and precision. His skating is smooth and effortless, allowing him to slip through tight spaces and generate chances in transition. He’s got great hands, sharp stickhandling, and an underrated wrist shot that doesn’t need much time or space to release.
But what really makes him stand out is his fearlessness.
Victor Eklund – 2025 Playoff Mix. Just a quick 2:00 drill of some of his best work from the playoff, where he helped earn his team promotion to the top fight. pic.twitter.com/Jb8G6p8b45
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof)
He doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas of the ice. Instead, he attacks them, whether it’s crashing the net or battling in the corners. That physical edge, combined with his awareness and vision in the offensive zone, gives him the kind of all-around upside NHL teams love.
For a team like the Anaheim Ducks in the process of rebuilding with speed and skill at the forefront, Eklund feels like an ideal fit, per The Athletic’s latest mock draft. He plays with purpose, always moving, always pressing, always trying to make something happen.
That high motor also shows up on the defensive side, where he pressures puck carriers, blocks passing lanes, and turns broken plays into breakouts. His work ethic and intensity make him a coach’s favorite and a nightmare for opponents.
Still, there are areas that need work. Eklund is a bit slight, even for his height. In the more physical North American game, especially in a tough division like the Pacific, he’ll need to add muscle to handle board battles and net-front scrums.
There’s also the occasional over-commitment in the defensive zone. His desire to win the puck back can sometimes pull him out of position, especially on wider European ice, where gaps can be exploited. These are fixable habits, but they’ll require time and coaching.
Then comes the comparison with his teammate, Anton Frondell. While Eklund has the better wheels and a non-stop engine, Frondell boasts a bigger frame and a strong hockey IQ. Scouts seem split between the two.
Eklund may not have the immediate physical advantage, but his offensive flair and competitive nature could give him the edge over time. With a bit of physical development and continued maturity, he might just prove to be one of the most complete and exciting two-way forwards in this draft class.