William Eklund

William Eklund
Eklund with the Sharks on February 6, 2018
Born (2002-10-12) 12 October 2002
Haninge, Sweden
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position Forward
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 Ottawa Senators
Djurgårdens IF
San Jose Sharks
NHL draft 7th overall, 2021
San Jose Sharks
Playing career 2020–present

William Eklund (born 12 October 2002) is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward. He currently plays for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has also played for the San Jose Sharks. Outside for the NHL, Eklund has played for Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

Career

Before playing in the NHL, Eklund played three seasons with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He had a successful time with Djurgårdens. He finished his rookie season scoring 11 goals and recording 12 assists for 23 points in 40 regular season games. He was named both the Rookie of the Year and Swedish junior player of the year.[1][2]

He was drafted 7th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2021 NHL entry draft.[3] On 16 August 2021, Eklund signed a three-year entry-level contract to join the Sharks.[4]

On 16 October 2021, Eklund made his NHL debut in a 4–3 win against the Winnipeg Jets. During the third period, he recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Tomáš Hertl goal.[5] On 14 March 2023, Eklund scored his first NHL goal against Daniil Tarasov in a 6–5 overtime loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets.[6] On 6 April 2024, Eklund recorded his first NHL career hat-trick in a 3–2 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues.[7] On 1 July 2025, Eklund signed a three-year, $16.8 million contract to stay with the Sharks.[8]

On June 23, 2026, the Sharks traded Eklund along with Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2026 first-round draft pick.[9]

Personal life

Eklund's father Christian and younger brother Victor are also both professional hockey players.[10]

References

  1. ↑ "Vinnare av Årets rookie i SHL 2020/2021". Swedish Hockey League (in Swedish). Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Owen Power, William Eklund top NHL Central Scouting's final 2021 draft rankings". Sportsnet. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Sharks Select William Eklund with Seventh Overall Pick". San Jose Sharks. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Sharks Sign 2021 Seventh Overall Selection William Eklund". San Jose Sharks. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Sharks' rookies Eklund, Weatherby lead comeback victory over Jets". CBC Sports. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Sharks top prospect Eklund breaks down first career goal". NBC Sports Bay Area. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Eklund completes 1st NHL hat trick in OT, lifts Sharks past Blues". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Sharks sign William Eklund to a three-year contract extension". San Jose Sharks. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Ottawa Senators acquire William Eklund and two prospects from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a first-round pick in 2026". Ottawa Senators. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  10. ↑ ""Inte längesen man stod där i klacken och skrek"". Expressen (in Swedish). Retrieved May 31, 2026.

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