Islanders Expected To Recall Top Prospect Victor Eklund

The 2025 first-round pick could make his NHL debut in the season finale.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion of a hockey player, with sharp planes of blue, orange, and green overlapping to create a sense of energy and movement.A cubist interpretation of a young hockey player's dynamic movement, hinting at the Islanders' plans to integrate their top prospects into the lineup.Bridgeport Today

The New York Islanders are expected to recall top prospect and 2025 first-round draft pick Victor Eklund from the AHL's Bridgeport Islanders. Eklund, the younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund, has been on a tear since making his AHL debut on March 27th, scoring seven assists and nine points in his first seven games. The aggressive forechecker and strong shooter could make his NHL debut in the Islanders' season finale on Tuesday.

Why it matters

The Islanders are out of playoff contention, so this call-up allows them to get a look at one of their top young prospects as they prepare for next season. Eklund has a strong track record of success at the pro level in Sweden and could be a key part of the Islanders' future if he can translate that to the NHL.

The details

After being drafted 16th overall by the Islanders in 2025, Eklund made his AHL debut on March 27th following the end of his season with Djurgardens in Sweden's SHL. He has been highly productive in the AHL so far, recording seven assists and nine points in his first seven games. With the Islanders eliminated from playoff contention, new head coach Peter DeBoer plans to give Eklund a chance to make his NHL debut in the team's season finale on Tuesday.

  • Eklund made his AHL debut on March 27th.
  • Eklund could make his NHL debut in the Islanders' season finale on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Victor Eklund

A 2025 first-round draft pick of the New York Islanders and top prospect who has been tearing it up in the AHL since making his debut on March 27th.

William Eklund

Victor Eklund's older brother, who plays for the San Jose Sharks.

Peter DeBoer

The new head coach of the New York Islanders, who plans to give Eklund a chance to make his NHL debut in the team's season finale.

Ondrej Palat

A short-term forward for the Islanders who could potentially lose his roster spot to Eklund.

Marc Gatcomb

Another short-term forward for the Islanders who could potentially lose his roster spot to Eklund.

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What they’re saying

“We must get a look at our top prospects like Victor as we prepare for next season. He's earned this opportunity with his strong play in the AHL.”

— Peter DeBoer, Head Coach, New York Islanders

What’s next

Eklund will make his NHL debut in the Islanders' season finale on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The Islanders are giving one of their top young prospects a chance to show what he can do at the NHL level, as they look to the future after missing the playoffs this season. Eklund's strong AHL performance has earned him this opportunity, and he'll look to make the most of it in his NHL debut.