Victor Eklund 2025 NHL Draft Scouting Report

Vitals

Position: LW/RW

Age on Draft Day: 18

Height, Weight: 5'11", 169 lbs

2024-25 Stats (Allsvenskan): 42 GP, 19 G, 12 A

Scouting Report

The word that comes to mind for Victor Eklund is "tenacity." He's first in on the forecheck, aided by good skating. He's relentless, harassing puck possessors. And if his team turns the puck over or he's beaten as the first layer on a forecheck, he's a lock to stay with the play and make a second attempt to force a turnover.

The 18-year-old measures in at 5'11" but is nonetheless an effective wall player. His perseverance through contact is remarkable, and you won't be able to count the number of times an opposing player seems to have pinned him to the wall, only for him to squirm his way out.

He is also creative on the puck. In conjunction with the wall play, the Swedish winger takes pucks from the perimeter and finds ways to the interior, either by forcing his way into dangerous territory or quickly finding passing options around the net to exploit vulnerabilities created after the turnovers he causes.

Although his numbers in Sweden's second league imply Eklund is more of a shooter than a passer, his upside as a playmaker may be higher. He's going to score some goals by scavenging around the net, but his distance shooting needs work. Meanwhile, the passing sequences he made himself party to were oftentimes the more impressive feat.

Draft Outlook

Eklund played alongside fellow 2025 draft pick Anton Frondell.

While Frondell has received more fanfare and has higher upside, it was Eklund who provided a more consistent presence as a play-driver.

Expect Frondell and a few other centers to go ahead of Eklund in this draft, mostly because of premium needs and bets on upside. A winger who lacks the high-end skill to be a bona fide first-liner could be pushed out of the top 10 by teams searching for foundational pieces.

In this type of draft, though, some teams may be thrilled to grab him around seventh or eighth overall. He is not far off NHL-ready and Eklund has the air of a future fan favorite who hits 50-55 points, drives offense for his team and is a constant nuisance for opposing defenders trying to advance the puck.

Loose Comparables

Brendan Gallagher (prime years)

Chris Kunitz

Travis Konecny