William Eklund will play his third season for the San Jose Sharks in 2025-26.
The winger had a strong 24-25 season, scoring 17 goals and 41 assists. He’s returned to Sharks camp fully healthy from a nasty fluke wrist injury suffered over the summer.
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky and others have praised the winger through three days of camp. But Eklund knows it isn’t just about the on-ice play he wants to improve. With Marc-Edouard Vlasic gone and many new faces, Eklund knows he needs to step up and be a leader.
“I want to be more of a leader. I did that a little bit more last year, but this year, I want to be more,” Eklund said. “Might not be the most vocal guy in the locker room, but also on the ice, I want to be a guy that you can count on every night, even if you haven’t done anything. You always bring 100% to the game, and try to bring a great effort every night.”
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The Swedish winger looks quicker in camp through three days. He’s been skating alongside two potential San Jose Sharks rookies, Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov.
“It’s pretty easy to play with someone like that. I don’t know who wouldn’t want to play with him,” Misa said. “He’s fast, creative, [and] makes plays all over the ice. For me, it’s just been trying to keep up with him, because of how fast he is.”
Eklund has a strong foundation for what makes him a successful hockey player; he wants to build on it.
“I know what makes me a good hockey player. I’m just trying to be even better and be even better for my teammates,” Eklund explained. “Be better in different areas of the game, defensive areas, PK [or] power play, whatever they need me to do.”
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Sharks Adjusting Eklund’s skating posture with the puck
The San Jose Sharks have noticed a place of improvement for Eklund to key on during training camp.
The 22-year-old is already a terrific skater, but the team wanted him to make a minor tweak. Warsofsky said the team has adjusted how Eklund protects the puck while he’s skating.
“I just see him playing with a little bit more jam in his game. He’s bringing pucks to the net. He’s protecting it with confidence. We asked him to be a little bit more upright at times, to protect the puck [against] big defenders,” Warsofsky explained.
“He’s not straight up, but there are some things that we’ve asked him to do. Stick his nose in there a little bit, and play a little bit in all situations.”
Eklund has always been terrific along the boards to protect the puck, but it sounds like the Sharks noticed an area where he can improve that skill. He has showcased puck protection skills many times.
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Warsofsky went into more detail about what other NHLers they are showing Eklund as an example.
“You look at some of the smaller guys in the league, and I’m not saying he’s the smallest guy, but some guys, like Clayton Keller,” Warsofsky said. “[Brad] Marchand is similar. [Guys] that can protect pucks and continue to keep pucks in the offensive zone alive.”
Warsofsky finished his media availability by saying that he thought Eklund was the best player on the ice for the entire group.
The Sharks will play their first preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. Warsofsky didn’t reveal any lineup decisions.
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