Prospect Info: Sharks Select William Eklund at 7th Overall *Update* returned to Djurgarden

[Anaheim4ever]

I don't think it's so much that Eklund fell as much as it was that the other teams zeroed in on particular prospects offering the thing they wanted.

The Ducks went with McTavish because they valued the more rugged offensive dimension. The Devils went with Hughes because bloodlines, The Blue Jackets took Johnson because they're willing to gamble on his higher upside even with the greater risk, the Red Wings wanted Edvinsson because he's a defender, and that, by process of elimination, allowed Eklund to get to the Sharks.

I don't think it has anything to necessarily do with Eklund's own failings.

Pretty much that, it was said by Murray there was the #1 guy and then 8 great prospects in the top9. Each team had their favorite of that 8. Beniers goes 2 because top center and safest pick(Seattle can't afford to see its debut pick bust).
Everyone in the top9 came out winners, even Arizona.

Still I think Eklund will produce the most points at the NHL level of this class. Johnson and Eklund are like Zegras types, such brilliant playmakers. Beniers gives off Bergeron vibes.

 

[Bizz]

Almost everyone I see said this guy wouldn’t go past 4th, why did everyone pass on him?

Seattle, Anaheim, Columbus, and Detroit all picked based on positional needs. NJ wasn't picking anyone but Hughes.

 

[The Nemesis]

Seattle, Anaheim, Columbus, and Detroit all picked based on positional needs. NJ wasn't picking anyone but Hughes.

No so much based on positional need in every case. It's more like stylistic/skill set based need.

 

[Mr Fahrenheit]

So, I'm going to assume Eklund played wing cause he wasnt ready to play C in the SHL and he will be our #1 C of the future

 

[Erep]

So, I'm going to assume Eklund played wing cause he wasnt ready to play C in the SHL and he will be our #1 C of the future

I mean, Doug Wilson literally said this, yes.

 

[sub_zero94]

So hopefully some day we see something like:
Kane-Hertl-Weissblat
Bordeleau-Eklund-Meier
Labanc-Couture-Robins/Gushchin/Coe

I feel Raska will be in the mix.

 

[Mr Fahrenheit]

I mean, Doug Wilson literally said this, yes.

Well if Doug Wilson said it, it has to happen! Makes you think he should have said every pick he has ever made will be a #1 C or #1 D. Perhaps he could simply say we will win the cup

 

[sharks_dynasty]

Well if Doug Wilson said it, it has to happen! Makes you think he should have said every pick he has ever made will be a #1 C or #1 D. Perhaps he could simply say we will win the cup

There’s a lot of interview coverage that talks about the sharks projecting him as a center, not just as a wing. Things can always change, however, it is what was said by both DW senior and junior.

 

[tealzamboni]

Almost everyone I see said this guy wouldn’t go past 4th, why did everyone pass on him?

IMO just the top 6 teams looking for their best fit.

As for why Eklund wasn't the clear cut #1, he will likely need to adapt to the NA game. He plays a grinding style, has quick actions and good agility. But, isn't that big or explosive and the ice will get smaller, the defenders faster/quicker and stronger.

He certainly has the IQ and tools to thrive. And the Shark's system fits well with his strengths. But there's work to do.

 

[sharski]

Everyone's too happy. Not a good sign.

it’s always brightest just before the lights go out

 

[LadyStanley]

Lots of smiles

 

[LadyStanley]

 

[Doctor Soraluce]

There’s a lot of interview coverage that talks about the sharks projecting him as a center, not just as a wing. Things can always change, however, it is what was said by both DW senior and junior.

A few of the pre draft scouting articles said he projects as a center in the NHL due to play style as well.

 

[Doctor Soraluce]

Lots of smiles

Is that his Sharks number or just draft year? If it's his number... Peter Forsberg!!

 

[Harbessix]

I hope he keeps 72 as his #, very unique.

 

[The Nemesis]

Is that his Sharks number or just draft year? If it's his number... Peter Forsberg!!

I think it's just the draft year. He's been wearing 72 with Djurgarden and on the national team.

I hope he keeps 72 as his #, very unique.

How dare you, sir. By omission and fake claim of uniqueness you have besmirched the names of two iconic Sharks.

I believe you owe an apology to both Brandon Mashinter and the illustrious, immortal Tim Heed.

 

[Jargon]

it’s always brightest just before the lights go out

“William Eklund is your first round draft pick? But… William Eklund has been dead for 30 years…”

 

[Boy Hedican]

I think it's just the draft year. He's been wearing 72 with Djurgarden and on the national team.



How dare you, sir. By omission and fake claim of uniqueness you have besmirched the names of two iconic Sharks.

I believe you owe an apology to both Brandon Mashinter and the illustrious, immortal Tim Heed.

i liked Heed :~(

 

[Prntscrn]

There's two shift by shift videos of him up on youtube for those who are interested

 

[Boy Hedican]

The one thing that concerns me is actually his readiness to play in the league and the chance we rush him. He’s probably the only one in the top 10, I read, that is close to NHL ready. Meier was too, which was one of the key reasons DW pointed out when we got him. I dunno what’s up with Meier lately, but I hope it wasn’t that we rushed him. That all said, Eklund is projected/is much better than Meier though without his build.

 

[TheWayToRefJose]

The one thing that concerns me is actually his readiness to play in the league and the chance we rush him. He’s probably the only one in the top 10, I read, that is close to NHL ready. Meier was too, which was one of the key reasons DW pointed out when we got him. I dunno what’s up with Meier lately, but I hope it wasn’t that we rushed him. That all said, Eklund is projected/is much better than Meier though without his build.

DW made it sound like he thinks he has a chance next year to crack the roster. I think he could, but he’d be better off staying in the SHL or AHL, but I do believe he’d be similar to or a bit better than Leonard was last year. It would also be nothing like rushing Timo because Timo was playing against teenagers and went to playing against men, but Eklund is already established playing against men in the 3rd best league in the world.

Think it’s smartest to bring him over in the 22-23 season, but being used to playing against men and his skill level, it probably wouldn’t hinder him too much coming over next year.

 

[TheWayToRefJose]

Another pure HF thing is how his prospect thread stopped getting bumped as soon as he got selected by SJ when it was a constantly updated thread until he went to SJ. If any other team with a bigger fan base would have drafted him, he’d be hyped up as the second coming of Jesus.

 

[themelkman]

Another pure HF thing is how his prospect thread stopped getting bumped as soon as he got selected by SJ when it was a constantly updated thread until he went to SJ. If any other team with a bigger fan base would have drafted him, he’d be hyped up as the second coming of Jesus.

Thats normal. He will not be high up on any top 50 prospect lists because hes in SJ. That always happens

 

[seroes]

Thats normal. He will not be high up on any top 50 prospect lists because hes in SJ. That always happens

Despite our massive success over the last 20 years we will always be a desolate wasteland as far as hockey pundits are concerned.

 

[Pavelski2112]

At least Scouch was raving about our past two drafts, so I'll take it