Fresh off hearing their names called just minutes apart, Victor Eklund & Victor Eklund sat side-by-side at the podium, both proudly sporting Islanders jerseys and caps. The energy was high, and the emotion was visible — the moment had just started to sink in.
With pick 16, the Islanders chose Swedish winger Victor Eklund.
With pick 17, they selected OHL defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson.
Eklund, a creative Swedish winger, beamed with excitement. He spoke with quiet confidence, describing himself as a “high-IQ player who can create space and make plays happen.” When asked how he felt about being drafted by the Islanders, “It’s a dream. I’ve watched this team for a while, and I love the way they play — fast and disciplined. I think I can add something to that.”
Aitcheson, a rangy, physical defenseman from the Oshawa Generals (OHL), spoke with intensity and gratitude. “This is what I’ve dreamed of since I was five — I want to bring grit, shutdown ability, and leadership to Long Island.” He thanked his family, teammates, and minor coaches for helping him stay grounded.
When asked about joining a young defense group that includes No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer, Aitcheson smiled and said, “I know Matthew’s game. We could be a deadly pair someday.” He emphasized his commitment to working hard in training camp and said he wants to be the kind of player “who makes the hard minutes easier for his teammates.”
With these two picks, the Islanders added both toughness and creativity, and based on their composed, confident presence at the mic, it’s clear both players are eager to make an impact at the next level.
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3 Comments
Both Drafted
Noah Dobson was the sacrificial lamb. Kashawn and Victor could have been Habs if the trade for Dobson didn't happen.
Think if the Habs could get a redo, they would rather have Emil, Eklund, Aitcheson than Dobson, a #2 dman