Multiple reports indicate that Victor Eklund made his debut for the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL. He scored the decisive penalty shot in his debut match, securing a 3-2 victory over the Laval Rocket at home in Connecticut, according to major media. According to SVT Sport, Victor Eklund described taking a bit of a chance and being glad it went in. According to Sportbladet, Victor Eklund described having jetlag but playing his game after meeting the team that morning, with the exact timeline of his travel and training before his debut remaining unclear.
In his early performances, Victor Eklund has six points, all assists, over his first four AHL games, according to major media. This includes three assists in a game against the Hartford Wolf Pack, which ended 4-2, as reported by major media. According to SVT Sport, Victor Eklund described feeling part of the group and working for a playoff spot, though whether he will be called up to the NHL soon is uncertain. His strong start has drawn attention from Islanders management, who are monitoring his development closely.
I met the team this morning, but it feels like I'm part of the group. It feels fantastic, we're working for a playoff spot here.
Victor Eklund left SHL and Sweden after his team Djurgården was eliminated from the playoffs last week. According to Hockeysverige, Victor Eklund described wanting to get a taste of the AHL, with his future plans, including whether Djurgården will get him back next season, still undetermined. The move came quickly after Djurgården's playoff exit, allowing him to join Bridgeport for the final stretch of the AHL season.
Victor Eklund was drafted as number 16 by the New York Islanders last summer, according to major media. He was introduced and interviewed for the home crowd of the New York Islanders during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks, as reported by major media. This introduction gave fans a first glimpse of the promising forward, who is seen as a key part of the Islanders' future plans.
I took a bit of a chance and I'm glad it went in.
In a related player update, Anton Frondell has played three NHL games for the Chicago Blackhawks, with assists in the first two games, according to major media. Frondell's performance in his initial NHL outings has been solid, contributing offensively early on, though his role may evolve as the season progresses.
I've had jetlag, but it went okay anyway. I met the guys for the first time in the morning and had only done a match-day warm-up with the team. I just went out and played my game.
I just wanted to try it. I just wanted to be with the guys, and we'll see – I might play in the AHL next year. So why not just get a little taste already now? That's how I thought.