Top Prospect Has Covid, Out For World Juniors

All William Eklund wanted to do was represent his country and improve his draft stock and unfortunately, he won't be given the chance.

2021 NHL Draft prospect forward William Eklund will not participate in this year’s #WorldJuniors after testing positive for COVID-19, according to @cmoresport. The 18-year old has a statline of 7G+5A=12P in 16GP this season with Djurgardens (SHL). #TreKronor
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 5, 2020

A report from the Hockey Writers speaks about how Eklund was one of the players to watch this tournament for the Swedes:

What impresses me the most about Eklund’s game is the fact that he is always giving it his all when he is out on the ice. Whether the puck is on his stick or on an opponent’s stick heading the other way, he is always moving his feet and reads the game really well. He plays with an active stick and averages about 0.80 takeaways in the defensive zone every game.

Eklund is also a very dangerous threat in the offensive zone as well. With his skating ability, he is able to open up passing lanes in the middle of the slot and is able to deposit a crisp pass on his teammate’s stick for a high-end scoring chance. Eklund is also a relentless forechecker. When the puck is dumped into the offensive zone, he is hunting it down and is always putting pressure on the defender.

We wish Eklund a speedy recovery so he can get back on the ice and improve his draft ranking for next season!