GRAVENHURST, ON — Victor Eklund arrived at New York Islanders’ training camp with as good a chance as any prospect to make the team.
On Monday, he was officially named part of the club’s season-opening 23-man roster.
From day one of rookie camp — dating back to last season, when he made his NHL debut and earned his first career point in game No. 82 — Eklund showed what a lethal weapon he could be in all areas of the game for the Islanders.
While a roster spot was likely, especially with Mathew Barzal missing all of training camp and at least opening night due to inflammation from a previously aggravated injury, Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer made it clear that Eklund wasn’t handed anything.