Rookie Eklund Impresses in Islanders Debut, Disagrees with Horvat Over Milestone Puck

19-year-old picks up first NHL point, but Horvat wants him to keep the puck from his 300th career goal.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and yellow, conveying the dynamic action and multiple viewpoints of the sport.A young Islanders prospect's NHL debut showcases the raw energy and fractured perspectives of professional hockey.Elmont Today

In his NHL debut, New York Islanders top prospect Victor Eklund picked up his first career point with a secondary assist on Bo Horvat's 300th career goal. However, the 19-year-old rookie disagreed with the veteran Horvat, who wanted Eklund to keep the milestone puck as a memento from his first game.

Why it matters

Eklund's strong debut performance and chemistry with established star Horvat suggests the Islanders have a promising young talent who could be a key part of the team's future plans, even as the franchise faces an offseason of significant changes after missing the playoffs for a second straight season.

The details

In the second period of the Islanders' season-finale loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, Eklund made a nifty pass from the right wall across the circles to set up Horvat for a one-timer goal, Horvat's 300th career tally. Despite the milestone, Horvat tried to give Eklund the puck, but the young Swede insisted Horvat should keep it to commemorate the achievement.

  • On April 14, 2026, Victor Eklund made his NHL debut for the New York Islanders.
  • In the second period of the April 14 game, Eklund recorded his first career NHL point with a secondary assist on Bo Horvat's 300th career goal.

The players

Victor Eklund

A 19-year-old Swedish rookie making his NHL debut for the New York Islanders, Eklund is considered a top prospect for the franchise.

Bo Horvat

A veteran forward for the New York Islanders, Horvat scored his 300th career NHL goal in the game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Pete DeBoer

The head coach of the New York Islanders, who placed Eklund on the first line and top power-play unit in his NHL debut.

Patrick Roy

The former head coach of the New York Islanders, who was fired with four games left in the regular season, leading to DeBoer's hiring.

Mathew Barzal

An Islanders forward who assisted on Horvat's 300th career goal after receiving a pass from rookie Eklund.

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What they’re saying

“You'll never forget your first NHL game, let alone your first NHL point. He's gotta have that.”

— Bo Horvat, Islanders forward

“I told him he should keep it. 300 goals is just amazing… not a lot of people can do that.”

— Victor Eklund, Islanders rookie

“He's going to have to fight me over it. I'm not taking that puck.”

— Bo Horvat, Islanders forward

“I didn't do so much, I just passed it. I guess I helped put it in a good spot for Horvat.”

— Victor Eklund, Islanders rookie

“He did a great job. He came in, really skilled kid. He's got a great motor. Relentless… He's got a bright future. Great to get him in his first game and for him to get a point.”

— Pete DeBoer, Islanders head coach

What’s next

The Islanders will look to build around Eklund and other young talent this offseason as they aim to return to the playoffs next season.

The takeaway

Eklund's impressive NHL debut, including his first career point and disagreement with veteran Horvat over a milestone puck, suggests the Islanders have a promising young player who could be a key part of the team's future plans as the franchise faces an offseason of significant changes.