Concerns loom for the Detroit Red Wings' projected draft decision at 13th overall
According to a report from The Hockey Writers, the Detroit Red Wings' projected 13th overall selection at the NHL draft might be an offensive threat; but not NHL ready.
The Red Wings are in dire need of an immediate impact player as they are in search for their first postseason clinch since 2015-16.
Victor Eklund has a lot of the tools you look for in an offensive winger. He understands the value of time and space, and he constantly works to have both on his side. He is a bit more of a shooter than his brother was at his age, but he is just as willing to be patient and allow his teammates to open up passing lanes. He had 19 goals and 31 points in 42 games while playing in Sweden's second-tier league this season, and he looked ready to take his game to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) by the end of the season.
Eklund isn't a super fast skater, but he does play with pace. He seems to always think one step ahead, and he knows how to take advantage of players that aren't quite at his level. He will attack in a straight line on some shifts, and then he'll weave his way around the ice on others. He anticipates the play well and puts himself in a position to receive passes or launch a one-timer on net. Because of the speed at which he processes the game, he appears very fluid in almost everything he does on the ice.
Eklund isn't a super fast skater, but he does play with pace. He seems to always think one step ahead, and he knows how to take advantage of players that aren't quite at his level. He will attack in a straight line on some shifts, and then he'll weave his way around the ice on others. He anticipates the play well and puts himself in a position to receive passes or launch a one-timer on net. Because of the speed at which he processes the game, he appears very fluid in almost everything he does on the ice.
Is Eklund NHL ready
After going seventh overall in the 2021 draft, William Eklund spent another season in the SHL before joining the Sharks late in the 2021-22 season for nine games. He played in the American Hockey League the following season, and then became an NHL regular in the fall of 2023. While they are not the same player, Victor Eklund's path to the NHL might be very similar.
With Dylan Larkin's recent comments of sadness of being out of the playoff picture so long, an immediate impact player is much needed.
«Eklund's pace of play is advanced for his age as he moves quickly and very decisively. He can absolutely rip a puck and score from short and medium ranges in addition to being a skilled playmaker. Like his brother, William, Victor is undersized, but he's just as dynamic as the elder Eklund, maybe even more.» - Jordan Harris, Dobber Prospects
«The tenacious, high-motor winger consistently pushes the pace and tries to force defenders into making mistakes. He has a very underrated shot, and he's always crashing the slot. Eklund is a menace on the forecheck, blending his physicality with his skill to pull pucks out of trouble and into potentially dangerous situations.» - Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News
| POLL | ||
JUIN 2 | 97 ANSWERS Concerns loom for the Detroit Red Wings' projected draft decision at 13th overall Do you think the Detroit Red Wings need to draft an NHL ready player? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 74.2 % |
| No | 25 | 25.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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