The New York Islanders had a big opportunity in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, holding back-to-back picks at No. 16 and 17 after trading defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens.
With a focus on future offensive depth, they used their first of the two picks to draft Swedish forward Victor Eklund, a rising star in European hockey. Eklund’s selection marks a strategic move by the Islanders, who see serious potential in the 18-year-old winger despite concerns from other teams. NHL insider Corey Pronman’s evaluation of the pick suggests the Islanders may have made one of the most valuable moves of the round.
NHL Insider Gives High Marks for Victor Eklund Pick Despite Size Concerns
When the Islanders selected Eklund with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, some fans and analysts were surprised to see the highly-rated Swedish forward still on the board. Eklund was widely projected to go earlier, with NHL Central Scouting ranking him as the second-best international skater behind only his Djurgårdens IF teammate Anton Frondell.
So why did Eklund fall to the middle of the round? According to NHL insider Corey Pronman, “Eklund’s fall stops here. Teams were worried about his frame, but he’s such a good skater, with great skill and tenacity and has some similarities to Seth Jarvis at the same age. This is a great swing by the Islanders.”
With the 16th pick in 2025 NHL Draft, the New York Islanders are proud to select Victor Eklund.#Isles | @UBS pic.twitter.com/RGT7MPQ8N5
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) June 28, 2025
At 5-foot-11 and under 170 pounds, Eklund doesn’t possess the same physical size as some of the draft’s top North American prospects, and that raised doubts about his ability to adjust to the NHL’s physicality. However, his on-ice performance tells a different story.
Eklund has spent his entire development within the Djurgårdens program, rising from the U16 level to become a star at the professional level in Sweden’s second-tier league, HockeyAllsvenskan. In 42 games this past season, Eklund scored 19 goals and added 12 assists for a total of 31 points, finishing tied for fifth on his team in scoring. His standout season earned him the Guldgallret, awarded to the league’s best junior player.
Beyond league play, Eklund has also made a name for himself internationally. He’s worn Sweden’s colors at various levels, including with the Under-16 team, at the 2022 U17 World Hockey Challenge, and most recently, at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he recorded six points in seven games. Sweden narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth.
Eklund’s speed, hockey IQ, and scoring touch make him an exciting addition to the Islanders’ prospect pool, especially with the franchise looking to add youthful energy and offensive creativity in the coming seasons. His track record of producing at both the club and international level suggests that, with the right development path, he could become a top-six NHL forward in the years to come.
