Islanders make right call by sending Eklund to Bridgeport

The New York Islanders will be sending one of last year’s first-round picks, Victor Eklund, to the AHL. The 19-year-old will be playing with the Bridgeport Islanders for the remainder of the season. And that’s the right call for the organization and Eklund’s development.

The situation mirrors the one the Boston Bruins had with James Hagens. Instead of bringing a top prospect into the NHL during a playoff race, the path forward from a developmental process is heading to the AHL.

For Eklund, there’s a chance to play big minutes in Bridgeport. He can slide into a middle-six role and easily get 15 minutes a game or so. Unless he somehow dominates the AHL and shows he’s ready for the NHL, Eklund will likely play one more season in Sweden. 

Of course, there’s always the possibility that Eklund plays well in the AHL and moves to North America next season. That’s part of the rationale behind this move. But the main focus is on giving Eklund a chance to grow without the pressures of hitting the NHL right away.

Islanders would have taken different path if they weren’t in a playoff race

The decision process would have been much different if the Islanders weren’t in a playoff race. If the Isles were in a position like, say, the crosstown Rangers, it would make sense to bring Eklund into the NHL. The team would have no issues with giving him an extended look. But as it stands, there’s just no room for Eklund in the Isles’ lineup right now. And it would be a crime to bring Eklund in to play on the fourth line and get under 10 minutes a night.

Like the Bruins, the Islanders’ playoff race has made sending one of the organization’s top prospects the right call. Rushing prospects has been a cardinal sin of organizations in the past. By now, teams should know better. Thankfully, the Isles are not in a desperate rush to bring in young talent. The team already has fresh legs hitting the ice. Players like Cal Ritchie and Matthew Schaefer have injected much-needed youth into the lineup.

So, up-and-coming prospects like Victor Eklund can take their time. His NHL ETA is much closer than most would believe. That’s why a little more patience is the best path forward.