Vancouver Canucks Focus on Swedish Winger Victor Eklund as 2025 NHL Draft Nears
As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft quickly approaches, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves weighing their options with the 15th overall pick. With the first round set for Friday, June 27 in Los Angeles, speculation is swirling about what General Manager Patrik Allvin and his staff plan to do. One scenario being closely monitored is whether the Canucks will hold onto their mid-round pick or trade it as part of a larger roster move.
If the Canucks retain the 15th overall selection, one new name has emerged as a potential first-round target: Swedish winger Victor Eklund. This possibility was highlighted by Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, one of the most respected voices in hockey scouting and prospect analysis.
In his latest 2025 NHL Mock Draft, Wheeler forecasts Eklund being selected by Vancouver, should he still be available by the time they’re on the clock. The Canucks are reportedly giving strong consideration to the 18-year-old, who spent the 2024-25 season playing in Sweden’s second-tier professional league, HockeyAllsvenskan, with Djurgardens IF.
Eklund’s draft stock appears to be slipping slightly compared to earlier expectations, making him a viable and intriguing option for a team selecting in the middle of the first round. Wheeler noted that a few NHL scouts he spoke to during the Draft Combine believe Eklund may not be picked as early as initially projected. That potential drop could create a prime opportunity for Vancouver.
“The sense I got from a couple of scouts I talked to at the combine was that Eklund is going to be available later than people in the public sphere think,” Wheeler wrote. “But the Canucks feel like the floor for Eklund. I think they’re also the start of Cameron Reid’s range. I could also see them targeting a left-shot winger like Bear or Lakovic, or a center like Braeden Cootes (Cootes is expected to go 15-20 and had dinner at the combine with the Canucks).”
Eklund’s recent performance with Djurgardens IF only strengthens the case for him. Despite his youth, he delivered a standout season, amassing 31 points in 42 games—19 goals and 12 assists—while helping his team earn promotion back to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the first time since 2022. His impact extended into the playoffs, where he added seven points across 16 games, demonstrating poise and productivity in high-pressure situations.
Born in Stockholm, Eklund has established himself as a rising talent in Swedish hockey. His blend of scoring ability, speed, and hockey IQ has made him a focal point for Djurgardens, even among more seasoned players. Still, there’s a general consensus that he’ll need a bit more seasoning before he’s ready to make the leap to the NHL.
That said, Eklund is expected to remain in Sweden for the 2025-26 campaign. He’ll likely feature prominently on Sweden’s roster at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota, where he’ll face off against top talent from around the globe and continue to refine his game. That experience could be pivotal in preparing him for NHL-level competition.
If drafted by Vancouver, Eklund’s NHL debut might not come until the tail end of the 2026-27 season, though a more realistic timeline might be the beginning of the 2027-28 campaign. The Canucks would presumably want him to adjust to the North American style of play before giving him a full-time NHL role.
This approach would mirror how Vancouver handled another promising Swede: Jonathan Lekkerimaki. Drafted 15th overall in 2022, Lekkerimaki also took time to develop in Europe before transitioning to the Canucks’ system. A similar trajectory could benefit Eklund, allowing the team to integrate him into their roster at a time when he’s both physically and mentally prepared for the jump.
While many insiders believe the Canucks may trade the pick to pursue more immediate help, particularly after key decision-makers skipped the Draft Combine in Buffalo, there’s still a strong possibility that they’ll stay the course and make a selection at No. 15. If that happens, Eklund looks to be one of the most viable and attractive candidates.
Wheeler’s mock draft also outlined the top of the board, with the New York Islanders projected to pick defenseman Matthew Schaefer from the Erie Otters first overall. San Jose is expected to follow with Michael Misa from the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, and Chicago rounds out the top three with Anton Frondell, another standout from Djurgardens IF.
Back in the middle of the draft, the Canucks’ pick could significantly impact their long-term planning. With top-tier prospects like Eklund, Bear, Lakovic, and Cootes all potentially available, Vancouver is in a strong position to add a high-upside talent, whether they prioritize scoring, physicality, or center depth.
As the draft date draws closer, more information will likely emerge about which direction Allvin is leaning. For now, Victor Eklund’s name is gaining momentum, and if the Canucks remain at pick 15, the young Swedish forward might soon become a key part of their future plans.
Whether they trade the pick or not, Vancouver’s actions at this draft could reveal a lot about their long-term vision. Do they believe their current core is ready to contend now, or are they still in the process of building for a stronger tomorrow? Selecting a player like Eklund would indicate patience and commitment to long-term development, while trading the pick might suggest a more immediate push to compete.
Either way, all eyes will be on the Canucks come June 27th.
