EAST MEADOW, NY — Thursday night was supposed to be a special one for New York Islanders rookie Victor Eklund and his older brother, Ottawa Senators forward William Eklund.
For the first time in their lives, the two brothers were set to face off against one another at the NHL level. However, with William sidelined due to a lower-body injury, that moment will have to wait.
Victor Eklund On Making Islanders, The Story Behind No. 38 & His NHL Dream
GRAVENHURST, ON — Victor Eklund arrived at New York Islanders’ training camp with as good a chance as any prospect to make the team.
Although they won’t be going head-to-head in Ottawa, the matchup gave Victor a chance to reflect on their relationship, from their competitive childhood in Sweden to watching each other achieve their NHL dreams.
I spoke with Victor about growing up with William, what he learned from watching his older brother, and what it meant to have William by his side when the Islanders selected him 16th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Here’s what Victor had to say: