Victor Eklund Stands out in Sweden | 2025 NHL Draft
Like last season, TSLH Prospects will publish a weekly report on the offensive performances of prospects eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft. Each week, we will tour the globe to identify players performing in their respective leagues, regardless of the level. This week, we will look at the european prospects, specially Victor Eklund.
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Eric Nilson Makes His Case for the 2025 NHL Draft
After a decent, though not outstanding, start to the season, Eric Nilson has found his rhythm with Djurgardens in the J20 Nationell. The center has accumulated 17 points in 13 games so far. The 6-foot, 154-pound right-hander performed well at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament this summer with 4 points, including 3 goals, in 5 games, but the young player’s offensive talent is not his most defining feature. He is rather an intelligent forward who excels in the finer details and contributes over 200 feet. You see him in all situations because his coaches trust him. As the season progresses, we’ll see if he can maintain consistency or if his offensive production is a flash in the pan.
Milton Gastrin Slows Down But Remains Among the Top Producers
Milton Gastrin produced at a scorching pace early in the season in the J20 Nationell with MoDo Hockey. Even though he has slowed down, his production still ranks among the top in Sweden’s premier junior league. His current stats stand at 15 points in 14 games. We have also seen him in the SHL, but his ice time was limited, as often happens with players under 20 years old in Europe. As Eric Nilson, it is not the skills that stands out for Milton Gastrin but rather the smarts.
Melvin Novotny and His North American Style
After missing a few games in September, Melvin Novotny has continued his strong performance with 14 points in 11 games for Leksands in the J20 Nationell. This power forward is learning his trade the hard way, as he tends to take penalties due to his physicality in a league that doesn’t particularly favor contact. It is highly likely that a jump to North America next year will be considered by the team that selects him in the 2025 NHL Draft. His style would be a better fit over here and the prospect would be able to let go a little more.
Viktor Eklund Stands Out Among Professionals
William Eklund’s brother is making waves in the HockeyAllsvenskan. The second-tier professional league in Sweden is not the easiest for young players. It is made up of players with limited talent and a very unstructured style of play. Thus, when an offensive prospect plays there, adaptation can be difficult. For Victor Eklund, it doesn’t seem to be a problem. He currently has 7 points in 8 games, including 4 goals. He is involved in all phases of the game and manages to dominate possession consistently. If he keeps up his current form, we should see him rise on scouts’ lists.
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