72 Days to Opening Day: William Eklund’s Journey with the Sharks

In the history of the San Jose Sharks, only three players have donned the number 72, but none have made as significant an impact as William Eklund. The Sharks selected Eklund seventh overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, marking the beginning of a promising career that would see him navigate the challenges of professional hockey.

Eklund made his NHL debut during the 2021-22 season, appearing in nine games. His first full season in North America came in the following year, where he showcased his potential in the American Hockey League while also making a mark at the NHL level, scoring two goals during limited appearances. By the time the 2023-24 season rolled around, Eklund was prepared for the challenges of a full NHL season.

In that season, Eklund played in 80 games, notching 16 goals and accumulating 45 points. Interestingly, he quickly became a voice of experience on a team rife with youth. As the Sharks faced tough losses and challenging moments, it was often Eklund who stepped up to share his insights, despite being just in his second full season.

Rather than buckle under the added pressure, Eklund thrived, increasing his production in his second season with 17 goals and 58 points across 77 games. The following season, he maintained a similar scoring rate, recording 15 goals and 53 points over 78 appearances. His growth as a player was evident, and fans began to see him as a cornerstone for the franchise.

However, the offseason brought unexpected changes. Eklund found himself at the heart of a trade that sent him, along with several prospects, to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, which became Keaton Verhoeff. This marked a new chapter for Eklund, who will now call a different city home for the first time in his NHL career, reuniting with fellow countryman Fabian Zetterlund in Ottawa.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.