Guenther is probably one of the safer bets in this top range too.Which is why I think scouts can probably be a lot more confident in their projections vs. the defensemen.
Does Eklund have any elite traits that would make him a legit top5 pick? I see a player who is very good in a lot of areas, but is there one where he is truly elite? Hockey IQ maybe? I haven't seen him enough to really know.
This is one class that I really struggle to apply the term elite to any of the top prospects. I do think there are a lot of quality, well rounded players, but a particular elite attribute for any player? Not sure.
This is one class that I really struggle to apply the term elite to any of the top prospects. I do think there are a lot of quality, well rounded players, but a particular elite attribute for any player? Not sure.
“I really like Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders. I think he’s very skilled with the puck, he has a low center of gravity and I like his skill when cornering. He uses his skating as a weapon out there and he’s not that big a guy either. I try to check and see what he’s doing out on the ice”
The two are quite alike. Barzal (6’0”/187Ibs) and Eklund (5’10”/172Ibs) are both somewhat smaller forwards who - to use Eklund´s own words - use speed as a weapon. William Eklund started skating at the age of 3, when he was living in Germany as his father, Christian, played for Augsburg in the DEL. With his mother Mia being a competitive figure skater, Eklund got the skating underway in the best possible way.
Does Eklund have any elite traits that would make him a legit top5 pick? I see a player who is very good in a lot of areas, but is there one where he is truly elite? Hockey IQ maybe? I haven't seen him enough to really know.
Owen Power size/skill combo is elite. Victor Hedman level. Cole Sillinger and Chaz Lucius are elite level goal scorers, or close to it, at least.This is one class that I really struggle to apply the term elite to any of the top prospects. I do think there are a lot of quality, well rounded players, but a particular elite attribute for any player? Not sure.
He could likely play right away, but I'm never in favour of rushing prospects. I'd personally let him play out his current contract.What do you folks think, NHL right away or 1 more season?
whats his current contract situation and could he play RW?He could likely play right away, but I'm never in favour of rushing prospects. I'd personally let him play out his current contract.
Does Eklund have any elite traits that would make him a legit top5 pick? I see a player who is very good in a lot of areas, but is there one where he is truly elite? Hockey IQ maybe? I haven't seen him enough to really know.
I’d say his edges/agility - his raw speed is good but not crazy, but he’s super agile, really elusive and deceptive skater. Has the hands to go with it too.Does Eklund have any elite traits that would make him a legit top5 pick? I see a player who is very good in a lot of areas, but is there one where he is truly elite? Hockey IQ maybe? I haven't seen him enough to really know.
Contract runs til the end of the 2021-2022 season. So it'd be one more year in the SHL.whats his current contract situation and could he play RW?
What do you folks think, NHL right away or 1 more season?
Has (finally) been moved up the lineup. Playing on the top line with Rakhshani, & Stoa today.
Sounds like another Mats NaslundI think Eklund is quite a bit more NHL ready then Holtz or Raymond.
"He's a fantastic player with amazing playmaking ability and hockey sense, He battles hard all the time, is very creative, and now he's starting to get a really good shot too."
"He has that unique ability to make a difference and win games, which obviously is a great asset for a player his, or any age, for that matter."
"I would say I'm a playmaker who likes to work hard and open up plays for my teammates, I like to use my edge work and stickhandling to get into high-scoring areas."
What do you folks think, NHL right away or 1 more season?
I personally don't think any prospects from the 2021 draft will make the NHL. Maybe the 1st pick will see action due to the fact he was the 1st pick, and no first pick has not made the NHL right away since Erik Johnson.
Which NHL player would be a good Eklund comparison stylistically? Vlad Tarasenko? Brad Marchand? Prime Jeff Skinner?