Islanders Expected To Burn First Year Of Rookie's Entry-Level Deal

New York Islanders forward Victor Eklund is expected to remain with the team past the 10-game mark. 

Once Eklund plays in his 10th game, the Islanders will burn the first year of his entry-level deal, which is currently slide-eligible. 

The Islanders could have elected to send Eklund back to Hamilton of the American Hockey League if, after nine games, they thought it would be better for his development. 

However, it doesn't sound like it.

“Yeah, you know what? I like his game. The thing about Eky, never mind the points. He's easy to play because he's a smart player," Islanders coach Pete DeBoer said. "There's zero fear in his game. He's physically engaged every night. I think even the other night in Toronto, he had four hits. For an undersized guy, he's not afraid of that part of it, which is usually the piece that's missing with undersized skill guys. So he's got that, and I think you're going to see more and more of his skill take over as he gets more comfortable.”

Eklund, whom the Islanders selected 16th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, has one goal and one assist through eight games, averaging 13:25 minutes per game.

His playing time is expected to rise with Matias Maccelli (lower body) out for 2-4 weeks and Cal Ritchie (lower body) out for 4-6 weeks.