NY Islanders top prospect Victor Eklund impressing his Swedish teammates

Victor Eklund has some familiar voices helping him through his first New York Islanders training camp. They also like what they're seeing from him.

Fellow Swedes Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman have helped the 19-year-old Eklund adjust to life in North America while getting a close look at one of the organization's top prospects.

"He's very intense out there," Holmstrom said. "He never gives up on a play. He's fast. He's got some great vision as well. He puts the puck in net, and he's just a great competitor."

Eklund has given his teammates plenty to notice.

He scored in both rookie scrimmages against the New Jersey Devils and again during an Islanders scrimmage on the second day of training camp. Eklund also received an opportunity Sunday on a line with Cal Ritchie and Ondrej Palat against New Jersey.

Heineman has been impressed by Eklund's ability to create offense in tight areas.

"He's a really skilled player," Heineman said. "What I notice, especially the small-area games where he really sneaks by or is able to get past a little bit just to handle the puck and give a good pass."

Eklund had 10 points on three goals and seven assists in nine AHL games with Bridgeport last season before making his NHL debut in the Islanders' season finale.

Now he is trying to make an impression in his first NHL training camp after returning to Sweden following the 2025 draft.

The transition has been helped by a growing Swedish group within the organization. Eklund is close with Calle Odelius, while Holmstrom and Heineman have made an effort to help him off the ice.

"We are always trying to take care of him here on the rink and stuff like that," Heineman said. "It's actually a pretty good crew now."

The relationship is helping Eklund get comfortable.

His play is doing the rest.

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