William Eklund

"This was one of the toughest decisions we have had to make," said San Jose GM Doug Wilson. "William's tremendous skill and vision have been evident since his participation in our rookie tournament in September. In his nine NHL games as a teenager, he has shown that he is going to be a special player in this league but ultimately, we feel it is in the best interest of his long-term development to return to Sweden and continue to work on becoming the dominant player we know he can be." Eklund, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has played well during his first taste of NHL action. The 19-year-old forward had four assists, eight shots, four blocks and four hits in nine games with the Sharks. The first year of Eklund's entry-level deal won't kick in because he didn't appear in 10 games, but this is a surprising move from San Jose because it removes a solid offensive player from their lineup. 

Eklund has four assists in eight games this season. There has been talk about him being loaned to the SHL, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he stuck around in the NHL. 

The Sharks will play Alexander Barabanov and Jonah Gadjovich in their place. Eklund was the seventh overall pick in 2021 and currently is the highest drafted player from the 2021 Draft playing in the NHL. "He's, I don't want to say hit a wall, but he played four games in seven nights, and he played almost every preseason game," coach Bob Boughner said. "He's played a lot of hockey, so it's just time to let him watch a game. I think I'd be good for him, actually, to watch from up top." Eklund had three assists in his first four games of the season before the benching.

Eklund was selected seventh overall in the 2021 Draft, and is the highest drafted player to make a team from the current draft. He is starting on the second line with Tomas Hertl and Rudolfs Balcers and is worth picking up in deeper leagues as well as dynasty leagues if available.