With the ongoing injuries and the racked-up penalty minutes, the San Jose Sharks are looking to catch a break. It’s not new news that the Sharks are the last in the league, the question is, when can they turn it around or who can turn it around? One player who has continued to play aggressively on the ice for the Sharks is William Eklund. The 22-year-old left winger is fighting a nagging upper-body injury, yet, he doesn’t seem to let it affect his game on the ice.
Early Career Statistics
William Eklund was the seventh overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, finding his home with the San Jose Sharks. He received the E. J. McGuire Award for Excellence in 2021. The award is given to the top prospects who exemplify excellence on the ice.
Eklund made his debut in the top-Swedish level, the Swedish Hockey League with Djurgardens IF in 2019-2020. A year later, Eklund became a full-time player where he received the SHL’s Rookie of the Year. He scored 23 points (11 goals and 12 assists) in 40 games. He competed that season after having an emergency appendectomy and Covid-19.
On October 15th, Eklund Registered his 100th game in the NHL
He is the eighth player from the 2021 draft to reach this milestone for 100 games. The young left-winger played 80 games during the 23-24 season for the Sharks. He had 16 goals and 29 assists, averaging 18 minutes a game.
Eklund plays on the same line as Tyler Toffoli and Mikael Granlund, previously it had been Macklin Celebrini before his injury. Unlike the regular season, during the preseason the ’70s line’ saw success with multiple goals and assists during the games.
Regardless of a nagging injury, Eklund has not allowed for that to slow him down on the ice. He has remained constant and reliable during shifts and his teammates have taken notice of his devotion to their success.
Toffoli was asked about linemate, William Eklund on the Sharks Audio Network Podcast (5:31).
“He does a really good job with holding onto the pucks and creating space for himself…He’s been getting better every day and he likes to work on his craft and try to get better. He has made some pretty good plays and is a big part of this team.”
On October 16th, Eklund played against the Chicago Blackhawks after missing the morning skate. Notably, Eklund played with an upper-body injury, yet he gained two assists.
San Jose Sharks Pull Eklund, Importantly He Remains Day-To-Day
William Eklund will not play tonight due to an upper-body injury.
Will Smith will also be a healthy scratch (load management).
Danil Gushchin and Givani Smith will draw in for #TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/CenXxamheD
— Locked on Celebrini (@LockedOnSharks) October 18, 2024
Eklund was scratched from the game against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, October 18th. The reason for his injury has remained undisclosed. Ryan Warsosky, the Sharks head coach, has noted that Eklund has been consistent on the ice. Eklund has been one of the Shark’s top-end players. They are taking his injury as a day-to-day injury and evaluating it as needed.
Eklund was back on the ice against the Colorado Avalanche on October 20th. He scored a back-handed goal, his first of the season and the only goal for the Sharks that game.
Eklund's power-play goal cuts the Sharks' deficit in half 😤 pic.twitter.com/eKiQnqkbG6
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) October 21, 2024
Eklund has played in eight games so far this season. He has one goal and five assists. His average being on the ice is around 21 minutes. In addition, he has 19 shots on goal and five blocked shots.
Eklund Remains Constant Force on Ice for Sharks
Even dealing with underlying issues, he has a way on the ice where he creates plays and opportunities for himself and his teammates. His game continues to become more solid and his overall game has become stronger. His last few years of development are noticeable, making this year possibly his break-out year. He is expected to bypass his previous year’s points if he can remain healthy.
Main Photo Credit: Jason Parkhurst – USA TODAY Sports
