Islanders Confirm Long-Term Plans for Victor Eklund
Thursday was a day filled with quiet confirmation rather than drama—the Islanders are set on keeping Victor Eklund for the season. There wasn’t much suspense about it, honestly, given that Eklund played in his 10th game with the team during their 3-2 overtime loss to the Kings, and scored a power play goal. So now, he officially starts the clock on his entry-level contract, which, well, was the right move considering how well he’s performed so far this season.
General Manager Mathieu Darche noted on Wednesday that other teams’ managements have picked up on Eklund’s positive contributions. He may not be the biggest player on the ice, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 175 pounds, but his tenacity stands out. During a recent game, he was outnumbered three to one and still managed to retain possession of the puck with his relentless pursuit. It’s that kind of mindset that seems to impress everyone watching.
Critics wondered if his size might limit his effectiveness in the NHL, yet he’s proven doubters wrong, demonstrating substantial physicality and an impressive battle level. His gameplay reflects a remarkable attention to detail, which is atypical for a rookie.
“His instincts are solid,” remarked Coach Pete DeBoer earlier this week. “He’s got a natural defensive awareness and has quickly absorbed the tactics we want to implement.” It’s true that young players often take time for coaches to trust fully, but Eklund’s abilities haven’t led to overwhelming caution in his use on the ice. While the team isn’t throwing him into every challenging situation right away, he’s been given more responsibility than most newcomers.
DeBoer emphasized Eklund’s unique balance: “He’s not someone who will compromise defensively for scoring opportunities. He’s aware of the game when he’s on the ice, which is rare for someone so young.”
On another note, Thursday marked the 43rd regular-season matchup between DeBoer and Peter Laviolette, not to mention 55 games including playoffs. Currently, DeBoer boasts a record of 23 wins against Laviolette’s teams in regular-season play and an 8-4 mark in the playoffs, having previously triumphed in series against Laviolette’s squad in 2012 and 2016 with different teams.
In other news, Semyon Varlamov returned to start at home for the first time since late November 2024, yet he’s still seeking his first victory since coming back from knee surgeries. Also, Matthew Schaefer netted his 24th goal as a teenager, tying him with Bobby Orr for the second-most goals ever scored by a teenage defenseman.
