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NY Islanders rookie Victor Eklund making case for bigger role as goals keep coming

The New York Islanders have been forced to lean on some unexpected contributors early in the 2026-27 season, with injuries to Mathew Barzal, Matias Maccelli and…

By Jiggs Westfall · Eyes on Isles

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Victor Eklund is making a case for an expanded role after scoring in three consecutive games.
The rookie scored on the power play during the Islanders' 3-2 shootout loss to San Jose.
Injuries to Mathew Barzal, Matias Maccelli, and Calum Ritchie opened opportunities for younger players.

The Story in 60 Seconds

New York Islanders rookie Victor Eklund is strengthening his case for an expanded role after extending his goal-scoring streak to three games. The 20-year-old scored his sixth goal of the season during a 3-2 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks, converting a power-play one-timer past Yaroslav Askarov following a pass from Brayden Schenn.

With injuries to Mathew Barzal, Matias Maccelli, and Calum Ritchie, Eklund was promoted to the Islanders' top power-play unit. Selected 16th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Eklund has tallied six goals, nine points, and 47 hits through 17 games this season.

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NY Islanders rookie Victor Eklund making case for bigger role as goals keep coming

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