The New York Islanders fans get major news as Victor Eklund, a 2025 first-round pick, confirms his move to North America for the 2026-2027 season, raising questions about roster shake-ups and the team’s youth movement. Gil Martin spotlights Eklund’s high-energy, gritty style—perfect for Patrick Roy and Matthew Darche’s system—and breaks down how his international success, including a gold medal with Sweden, hints at quick NHL readiness. Could Eklund become the next Islanders fan favorite?
The episode analyzes how Matthew Darche’s fresh front office approach may reshape the lineup, with possible trades and veteran departures on the horizon. Hear insights on the Olympic men’s hockey tournament opener, as Bo Horvat (Canada) faces Ondrej Palat (Czechia), and relive the career of Islanders defenseman Steve Konroyd. Gil Martin also answers burning mailbag questions about the team’s future and who’s set to make a lasting impact for the blue and orange.
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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8 Comments
So Shabanov was a bust…now the backup plan is to rush Eklund? The more I see of the Darche plan…the more concerned I become.😮
The guy has been GM for 60% of a single season … His plan is not concerning … give him at least another offseason before you can even start to get “concerned “ in the comments brotha LFGI
Give shabby another year. Just don't like his small frame.. other than that he has more talent than tspy….I love what Darch is doing so far… love his vision.. it's only going to get better.
dude needs to get bigger. and high energy and grit is good but isles need guys that can score g's and elite scoring. so what is eklund's scoring upside? i hope the plan isn't to rush eklund because isles are so piss poor up front. being a late 18 draftee eklund will be 20 in oct. and ahl eligible next season. dude is already leaping eiserman as isles top fwd. prospect. maybe eklund can take a roster spot from 29 or 11? eklund is isles big hope. aitchenson having a monster ohl season is still one more season away from ahl eligibility so no help next season. isles 4th rd. pick nuermi sent back to london is having a productive return to ohl with 10 g 12 a 22 pts. in 16 games getting more minutes with knights this season. could be ahl bound next season.
can't give up on 49 yet. dude has all the skill in the world. but ever since that 2g 2 a game vs. wings teams are putting the body to 49. does he want to or have the fight with smaller size to fight thru those bigger defenders to get to scoring areas or shy away from them making 49 just a perimeter player and less effective? i'll root for 49. he has the fkn skill set isles need. looks like his size is working against him.
I trust in Darche. Has an all-around game. We needed to get younger and we are.
He does things the right way….sounds like Schaefer. Not saying he will do what Schaefer has done, but if he's mature, I like that about him. It's good to have character kids.
Any chance Kayshawn plays in the NHL next year?
Why isn't George on the team now?