The San Jose Sharks send rookie William Eklund back to Sweden
The 19-year-old Eklund was San Jose’s seventh choice in the draft this year and quickly showed signs of why the Sharks believe he will be a basic piece for the future.
Eklund had four assists in nine games and did not look overmatched in his first effort in the NHL.
But the Sharks still chose to send him back to Djurgardens IF in Sweden before he played his tenth match, which would have triggered the first year of his three-year entry contract.
“This was one of the toughest decisions we have had to make,” said general manager Doug Wilson. “Williams’ tremendous skill and vision has been evident since he attended our rookie tournament in September. In his nine NHL games as a teenager, he has shown that he will be a special player in this league, but in the end we feel it is in best interest in his long-term development to return to Sweden and continue working to become the dominant player we know he can be. “
Eklund played mostly on the top two lines and handled the tough competition well for a teenager. His play impressed his older teammates.
“He’s going to be an elite player in this league,” the captain said Logan Couture sa. “It’s tough to play in this league when he’s 18, 19. He’s shown he can do it. Very impressive. It’s not easy to do what he does, to play the top six minutes … He proved that he can play in the NHL. ”
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