Eklund on His NHL Debut: "The Craziest Game of My Life" · Apr. 14, 2026
Victor Eklund couldn't hide his smile reflecting on his first NHL game, calling it simply the most fun he's ever had. The 19-year-old Swede said he tried to take lessons from his time in both the SHL and AHL and blend them into his own game — though he was quick to acknowledge the step up in level. Playing alongside Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, he described the experience as surreal, admitting that after morning skate he already felt like he was living out a childhood fantasy. On being handed the puck from Horvat's 300th career goal, Eklund was characteristically humble — insisting Horvat should keep it — while crediting his new teammates for making him feel at home from the moment he arrived.
Apr 15, 2026
Source: NHL