Victor Eklund, the New York Islanders’ 16th overall pick in the 2025 draft, has been assigned to the Bridgeport Islanders for the rest of the season, according to a March 26 announcement from the team.
Eklund’s move marks his transition from Swedish professional hockey to North American play. The decision is significant as it allows him to continue his development within the Islanders organization and adapt to a new style of play.
The forward completed his first season in Sweden’s top-tier league, recording 24 points with six goals and eighteen assists over forty-three games. Before playing in the Swedish Hockey League, Eklund spent time with Djurgardens in Allsvenskan—Sweden’s second-tier league—where he notched thirty-five points across fifty-seven games since joining their organization in 2020.
Eklund also contributed on an international stage by helping Sweden win gold at the 2026 World Juniors. He registered eight points during seven games at that tournament.
He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders on July 14, 2025. His assignment to Bridgeport will give him further opportunities for growth as he adjusts to North American hockey.
