VICTOR EKLUND

2025-01-09

Scout: Sasha Lagarde

Skating:

A strong part of his game, Eklund has good skating technique and edgework to efficiently move around the ice. He uses his speed well and has the ability to slow down his pace to match his linemates or speed up quickly to open up lanes. His speed allows him to be a dog on the puck in forecheck, often the F1 in offensive zone schemes. Skating is one of his strengths and will only get better as he gains musculature in his lower half in the next few years.

Passing/Handling:

Really great set of hands and awesome vision was on display during the WJC. He loves to dictate pace and will often take an orthodox line in order to open up space for teammates. His passing ability doesn't fall off whether he is at full speed, under pressure or in a cycle, which is why this skill is so translatable to the NHL. He can handle it all and his hands are better than his brother (imo).

Shooting:

He loves to shoot the puck but I wouldn't say he has an elite shot, but a good enough shot to be able to place it where he wants and beat goalies in tight. As he gets stronger (common theme here), his shot will improve off the rush and in tight as he is often the net front or bumper guy on the powerplay and loves to drive the net. He will use his shot the same way Zach Benson was able to.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Really cerebral player in all zones and rarely panics with the puck. So many times Eklund has come off the wall with pressure in the D zone and wills his way to a breakout or outlet pass.He anticipates the play well in the offensive zone, often involved in cycles and is one of the better board players in the draft. His off puck movements and his scanning habits are top notch and it only adds to his package.

Forechecking:

I see him as one of the best forecheckers in regards to the high-skilled players in this draft class, a master at initiating contact, taking the opponents stick out of the play and securing body position. For a smaller player, I get big time Zach Benson vibes from Eklund in his forechecking game. He angles well... there's not a lot to hate here.

Defense:

I have no concerns. His IQ, forechecking and motor are all high-end.

Best Asset:

Raw Skill and high-end motor.

Biggest Concern:

Size

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Top-6 winger who can play the full 200 feet of ice. A grittier, higher motor version of his brother if you will.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

A grittier, higher motor version of his brother if you will.There's too much IQ and off-puck habits that stick out while adding a very intriguing raw skill packgage to the mix.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

bottom-6 role player with a punch.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His size and weight aren't ideal but he has the foundation to be a high motor, smart, scoring bottom-6 winger.

Stylistic Comparable:

A more skilled version of Zack Benson (but a tad less cerebral and more on the raw side).