Victor Eklund's high-end motor and physical skills on full display at World Juniors

When Sweden used Victor Eklund in a fourth-line role during the pre-tournament games, it felt like a promotion to a bigger role was only a matter of time.

When the group stage of the World Juniors kicked off, Eklund had already been moved to the top six and has been able to maintain that role ever since. Not only has the 18-year-old been able to hold his own, he’s thrived.

After five games, Eklund has two goals and six points, which is good for the fourth-best mark on the team. Only James Hagens has been able to amass more points among draft-eligible skaters playing in the tournament.

In the HockeyAllsvenskan, Eklund’s pace, work rate, and play-driving ability have consistently stood out. This has also been the case at the World Juniors, with Eklund serving as Sweden’s most consistent forward