Brief

Victor Eklund debuts for Islanders against Auston Matthews’ line

Eklund logged over 11 minutes in the Islanders’ 2‑1 loss to the Leafs, drawing comments from coach Pete DeBoer and GM Mathieu Darche.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:04:23 GMT

Islanders rookie Victor Eklund made his season‑opening debut on Sept. 30, 2026, as New York faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto, a game the Leafs won 2‑1.

Eklund logged 11:38 of ice time, entering the lineup opposite the Leafs’ top line of Auston Matthews, Kirill Marchenko and Jack Roslovic. He was later replaced after 7:34 by coach Pete DeBoer.

After the game, DeBoer said he thought Eklund improved as the match progressed and noted the rookie had several looks on goal. "I had no problem with his game at all," DeBoer told the New York Post.

General manager Mathieu Darche had earlier called Eklund’s roster spot “the obvious thing to do,” citing his play and the vacancy created by Mat Barzal’s knee injury. Darche said Barzal’s left‑kneecap injury had shown “really, really good progress” and expected him to skate “early next week at the latest.”

Outside the rink, the Islanders confirmed that Nick Leopard, founder and CEO of the AI‑focused firm Accordion, is a lead investor in the group that purchased a 15 percent share of the team, a stake also held by David Shuman.

Key facts

Victor Eklund debuted for the Islanders on Sept. 30, 2026, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. (nypost.com)
Eklund played 11:38 minutes before being replaced after 7:34. (nypost.com)
Coach Pete DeBoer praised Eklund’s improvement during the game. (nypost.com)
GM Mathieu Darche said Eklund’s roster spot was the obvious choice. (nypost.com)
Mat Barzal’s knee injury opened a roster spot for Eklund; Barzal expected to skate early next week. (nypost.com)
Nick Leopard and David Shuman are investors in a 15 percent Islanders ownership group. (nypost.com)