The elite sniper marvels at the deceptive "slinger" release that powered the first-round pick’s highlight goal, signaling a lethal new offensive threat in the New York system.
NEWARK, NJ -- Anytime you can have New York Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman raving about a shot, that means something.
And Eiserman was grinning ear to ear when we asked him about Victor Eklund's goal at 7:50 of the third.
Eklund, whom the Islanders selected 16th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, might be a pass-first guy, and although he was looking to set up linemate Cam Berg on a 2-on-1 rush, he felt it was best to let the puck rip.
“Yeah, he has a pretty unique release," Eiserman said. "It’s kind of like a sling. He doesn’t really — I’m sure if there was no one in the stands and he was the only one out there, you could really hear it come off his stick. I think a lot of guys have that snap, where his is kind of like a slinger, which is pretty sweet. The way he can get it off, and it’s so quick. I think that’s just sweet and silky, and the way he can just sling it was perfect. It was a big goalie too, so it was impressive.
“He faked pass a little bit and really just slung it up there. I mean, it was impressive.”
Eklund has no cocky bone in his body, but he also didn't take enough credit for the placement of his shot.
"I just shoot, and I’m pretty familiar with that kind of shot," Eklund said. "So, yeah, I was lucky today.”
Luck had nothing to do with it.
As for the play in general, Eklund was indeed looking to pass.
"I just got the puck on the rush and looked to pass it, but I feel like the D was already there," Eklund said. "So, I just tried to just rip it on the left side."
Hamilton and rookie camp head coach Jay McKee loved what he saw from Eklund.
"I think he disguised it well too," McKee said. "He's a deceptive player. He can look one way, shoot the other. I don't think anyone knows what he's doing with the puck. He's got the ability to make some great passes as well. So the goalie has to respect the pass at the same time. And yeah, it was a it was a bit of a laser. So good for him."
Eklund isn't a lock to make the Islanders' opening night roster, but if he keeps ripping the puck like that, on top of the other incredible things he's able to do on the ice, it won't be long before he gets the opportunity with the big club.
