After a few years unsuccessful attempts to reach Elitserien, Eklund moved to Huddinge IK in the same division after the 1991–92 season.
[3] His achievements in Elitserien drew attention from NHL, and he was drafted by Detroit Red Wings in 1995, 182nd overall.
[4] He played the following two seasons in Djurgården before moving to Detroit's AHL franchise Adirondack Red Wings in 1997.
The team made it to the Calder Cup but lost all three games in the first round against Albany River Rats.
He became Swedish champion with Djurgården in 2000, before moving abroad again, this time to the German team Krefeld Pinguine.