LW Victor Eklund - Djurgårdens IF J18, SWE JRs (2025 Draft)

[Pavel Buchnevich]

It’s a dangerous way to look at things. Take the Nylander brothers, for instance, but I’m not suggesting Victor is Alex or that NHL teams won’t take it into account.

 

[BKarchitect]

It’s a dangerous way to look at things. Take the Nylander brothers, for instance, but I’m not suggesting Victor is Alex or that NHL teams won’t take it into account.

Yes for sure this is lazy man comparison and not actual scout stuff but you gotta admit, in terms of physical stature, stats/development arc and style in the highlights…they are clearly, well, brothers in the same mold. The Sharks fans in this thread are literally like “that William?” watching the clips.

What I would be interested in hearing from either Swedish followers or some of our more respected film watchers is, what are the differences, even if small, in their games or projection? So far it seems Victor may be slightly bigger at the same age and maybe plays with a bit more energy or tempo at a similar point in their careers?

 

[Forlan]

Yes for sure this is lazy man comparison and not actual scout stuff but you gotta admit, in terms of physical stature, stats/development arc and style in the highlights…they are clearly, well, brothers in the same mold. The Sharks fans in this thread are literally like “that William?” watching the clips.

What I would be interested in hearing from either Swedish followers or some of our more respected film watchers is, what are the differences, even if small, in their games or projection? So far it seems Victor may be slightly bigger at the same age and maybe plays with a bit more energy or tempo at a similar point in their careers?

I'm not Swedish or one of the respected experts, but in my opinion Victor is a little faster and more dynamic than William. Hockey sense is not much different

 

[Prntscrn]

Yes for sure this is lazy man comparison and not actual scout stuff but you gotta admit, in terms of physical stature, stats/development arc and style in the highlights…they are clearly, well, brothers in the same mold. The Sharks fans in this thread are literally like “that William?” watching the clips.

What I would be interested in hearing from either Swedish followers or some of our more respected film watchers is, what are the differences, even if small, in their games or projection? So far it seems Victor may be slightly bigger at the same age and maybe plays with a bit more energy or tempo at a similar point in their careers?

Their dad describes William as more of a playmaker that is scanning the ice and using his brain. Victor as someone who goes straight to the net more, is nastier and more flashy.

 

[Forlan]

It is not always correct to make an analogy between brothers, but using the example of an older brother, we can conclude that Victor's style is quite projected into the Nhl. He will definitely be in the top 10

 

[icelander25]

Just checked the wjc website and they actually have Eklund at 6’0” and 163 lbs. While he’s still slim, at his pace and now extra size I seriously think top 5 is within reach and (call me crazy) maybe push Martone for #4 if Eklund has a strong wjc and finishes the season strong while Martone slows a little. Personally, Hagens and Schaefer and played themselves into 1 & 2, while Misa is 3, and Martone is 4. I think Misa goes higher because of positional value, but I think if Eklund ends strong, there’s nothing stopping him from overtaking Martone.

 

[BearNorth]

Just checked the wjc website and they actually have Eklund at 6’0” and 163 lbs. While he’s still slim, at his pace and now extra size I seriously think top 5 is within reach and (call me crazy) maybe push Martone for #4 if Eklund has a strong wjc and finishes the season strong while Martone slows a little. Personally, Hagens and Schaefer and played themselves into 1 & 2, while Misa is 3, and Martone is 4. I think Misa goes higher because of positional value, but I think if Eklund ends strong, there’s nothing stopping him from overtaking Martone.

I believe Frodell is ahead of Eklund, my guess is Eklund will end up around the 6-9 spot.

That said will be interesting to see Eklund in wjc against Canada or USA and how he play against them.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

Just checked the wjc website and they actually have Eklund at 6’0” and 163 lbs. While he’s still slim, at his pace and now extra size I seriously think top 5 is within reach and (call me crazy) maybe push Martone for #4 if Eklund has a strong wjc and finishes the season strong while Martone slows a little. Personally, Hagens and Schaefer and played themselves into 1 & 2, while Misa is 3, and Martone is 4. I think Misa goes higher because of positional value, but I think if Eklund ends strong, there’s nothing stopping him from overtaking Martone.

I have Eklund firmly at 5. He’s going to be a really good player.

 

[montreal]

Eklund Spinning Backhander 2:06
Eklund Shot 6:19
ASP Goal 9:23

 

[montreal]

Goal 0:38
Behind Net Pass 2:59
Great Board Work Assist 4:27
2 on 1 Shot 5:55

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Surprised there aren't more comments from the WJC. Other than maybe Sandin-Pelikka, thought he was one of Sweden's most impressive players in Ottawa.

 

[montreal]

I've only seen 2 games so far but I'm a fan.

 

[montreal]

Hard Working Shift 4:20
Draws Penalty Leads to Goal 5:47
Eklund Slot Shot 8:22
Drop Pass Almost Assist 8:49
Goal 9:11
Nice Pass 10:07
Shot/Assist 12:21

 

[cheesymc]

Is Victor going to be better than his brother?

 

[Gazewithin]

Is Victor going to be better than his brother?

A lot of people think so. I slightly lean Victor compared to how William looked in his draft year, but it's closer than I think some are giving it credit for. Although they are similar, I do think they differ enough in terms of their playstyle that it's not cut and dry a straight up "who's better relative to their age" kind of argument. Victor is more aggresive and goes all in, whereas William was more of a play connector and facillitator. It will be interesting to see how Victor progresses, especially when he goes to north american ice and starts fighting for an NHL spot. Has not given me much reason to doubt him though, he' awesome.