Islanders Wrap Up Season with Hope for the Future
The Islanders certainly didn’t expect their season to conclude after just 82 games on Tuesday, yet there was a silver lining as fans got a preview of what’s to come.
Victor Eklund, picked 16th in last summer’s draft, stepped onto the ice for his NHL debut in a 2-1 loss to the Hurricanes that didn’t hold much significance.
“I found out last night when I called my parents and my brother,” Eklund shared. “I’m so excited. It feels really surreal, like a dream come true. It’s just crazy to see myself on the ice with players like Barzal and Horvat. To be honest, it feels a bit unbelievable. I’m just trying to soak it all in.”
His parents, who had flown in from Sweden just for the occasion, were there to witness him make his mark by assisting on his first NHL goal, which was also Bo Horvat’s 300th goal in the league.
Typically, milestones like that would warrant keeping the puck, but Horvat had other plans. “I won’t forget my first NHL game or point,” he said. “Eklund should have that puck. I’ve already spoken to the trainers about it.”
Eklund skated for 15 minutes and 30 seconds alongside Horvat and Simon Holmstrom on the top line. Even in a game where not every player seemed at their best, Eklund’s energy stood out, and he was actively involved in puck battles.
“He has a great work ethic,” coach Pete DeBoer said. “It reminded me of another player I had in Dallas. He’s got a bright future ahead. It’s fantastic to see him in his first game and contributing.”
Come offseason, Eklund will likely need to bulk up a bit, but he’s ahead of schedule and is expected to vie for a spot in the NHL during training camp.
“I think playing tonight was essential for him,” DeBoer noted. “Now he can spend the next four months knowing he can hang at that level. You really grasp that only when you experience it yourself.”
In other news, Semyon Varlamov will be playing in the AHL with Bridgeport on a conditional loan while he recovers from two knee replacements, paving the way for his much-anticipated return to the ice.
Bridgeport will compete on Wednesday against Hartford.
Isaiah George mentioned his intention to participate in the playoff game against Bridgeport.
Meanwhile, Kyle MacLean, Mark Gatcomb, and Ryan Pulock were all scratched from the lineup to make space for Eklund, Liam Foudy, and George. The team noted that Pulock has been dealing with several injuries.
Matthew Schaefer, Anders Lee, Emil Heinemann, and Adam Pelech all completed the season playing 82 games—a notable achievement, especially since it’s the first time, except for Lee, that they reached this milestone. Pelech had previously played all 56 games in the shortened 2021 season.
