Ahead Of NHL Debut vs. Islanders, Blackhawks Top Pick Anton Frondell Talks Best Bud Victor Eklund, Fellow Top Pick Matthew Schaefer
Frondell makes his NHL debut tonight against the Islanders.
ELMONT, NY — New York Islanders forward prospect Victor Eklund is eligible to join the organization after Djurgårdens IF was eliminated from the SHL playoffs.
I’m told he is coming over and will join Bridgeport for their playoff push.
The Islanders’ No. 16 pick at the 2025 NHL Draft has already signed his entry-level deal,
If Eklund played in 10 or more games, which includes playoffs, that would burn the first season of his three-year ELC.
Islanders’ Next Big Prospect Jump: Victor Eklund Targeting 2026-27 Arrival
The New York Islanders have proven they’re a good team. Yes, the flaws are real — a power play stuck at the bottom of the league at 13.3%, stretches where they lean too heavily on their goaltending, and ongoing attempts to lock in the right line combinations.
In 43 regular-season games with Djurgårdens, Eklund recorded 24 points (six goals, 18 assists). He had three assists in three playoff games.
The big question: Is he NHL-ready?
There’s no better person to ask than his best friend, his former Djurgårdens teammate and about-to-be NHLer Anton Frondell, who just landed on Long Island earlier this week ahead of his debut.
Frondell, 18, recorded 28 points (20 goals, eight assists) in 43 regular-season games with Djurgårdens IF of the SHL before two points (one goal, one assist) in three playoff games, skating primarily with Eklund.
We also asked Frondell about Matthew Schaefer, given that they both were top-three picks in this past draft: