San Jose Sharks Make Big Decision With Top Prospect

The San Jose Sharks are sending forward William Eklund back to Djugardens IF of the Swedish Hockey League.

Sharks to assign rookie William Eklund to Swedish club Djurgarden: Sourcehttps://t.co/Oa3k1e59RX
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) November 5, 2021

Eklund was just one of three first-round picks of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft who made the NHL after their first training camp. He certainly was a factor with the Sharks as well and left a good impression. In nine games, he recorded four assists. That is not bad production at all from an 19-year-old getting his first taste of NHL action.

It isn't a coincidence that the Sharks made this decision before Eklund played his 10th game with the team. Had he done so, it would have officially burned off a year of his entry-level contract. Now, Eklund will still have three years remaining on his contract before becoming a restricted free agent.

This also should continue to help Eklund's development improve. Back with Djugardens, he will be playing against weaker competition and should have a lot of success offensively. In 40 games last season, he scored 11 goals and had 23 points. Don't be surprised to see even more from him this go-around.