It's really something when you think about just how much luck goes into determining the level of success of a rebuild. Not just the picks/players and their development, and not even just the ping pong balls, but lots of other factors, too.
The NJ would have been top 10 protected this year so it could have been a potential 3 unprotected 1sts in 2025.
Why would you think that? He's holding his own at C in his age 21 year on an ELC. he's fast and hard to play against. I think Grier isn't just eliminating anyone who he didn't draft. Maybe he might be at risk if we draft 4 high potential forwards in the next 2 years and he's coming up to his RFA, like a Zegras type situation where he signs a bridge deal rather than a long term deal, but it would be premature to trade Eklund now as all signs point to his value going up and up in the next 3-4 seasons.
He definitely looked the part earlier in the year before his first injury that kept him out for a while. I don't think he was able to rediscover that form, though, which is understandable since he's been in and out with more issues.
I think it's more that the Sharks look like they'll have a lot of forward depth, and not much defensive depth. So trading from a position of strength to fix an area of weakness makes sense, and Eklund isn't one of Grier's guys so he might be disadvantaged.
I do think it matters that Eklund plays so hard and has clearly improved things like his strength; these are elements that make him a great role model for other guys coming through the system, particularly someone like Smith, who is of a similar build and will need to develop that fight in his game.
Beloved by the fan base seems quite strong. He’s the only only young prospect with a pedigree that’s made a notable contribution on the Sharks; and while I don’t claim to have a pulse on all of Sharks fandom; what exactly has he accomplished or proven in his career 78 games, or… checks notes… 37 points, that has earned “beloved” status.
I was nitpicking. I largely agree with you; I don’t see him being traded unless for a young #1D type.
I guess it's a few things for me. I doubt Grier sees Eklund as a center long term, I think we're going to be almost "forced" to draft forwards with our own 1sts the next couple of years just based on where those picks are likely to land, Grier has established a pattern of clearing out the players and prospects he inherited so if one of the surplus forwards gets traded for a defenseman it's probably going to be Eklund and I just don't think Eklund is the type of player Grier prefers to build around as a small, non physical winger who isn't very fast. Similar reasons as to why Verbeek in Anaheim is likely to trade Zegras as well.
I actually agree with your logic.
If the sharks draft Celebrini and Hagens, it's just as likely that Smith or Hagens are out the door as Eklund. They'll probably be better prospects at that point and would return an even better D, if that's what we're going for.
Absolutely. It’s just a lesson to fans not to get attached to these prospects or buy their jerseys until the team switches from asset accumulation to actually building a team.
While I agree, I am fully getting a Smith jersey when he joins the sharks simply because I have none left that are current players
There are far different issues between Zegras and Eklund though. Zegras plays a very offense only perimeter game and isn't much beyond that while Eklund has been lauded as a true two way player that does all the little things with high hockey IQ and stuff. That's why I think it is highly doubtful that he is moved.
If we’re doing comps Jeff Skinner is a lot closer to Zegras than Eklund. I don’t see Eklund and Skinner as similar players whatsoever. IMO Eklund could be like a smaller, more shifty Phillip Danault if he continues to develop.
Wasn't speaking in play style. Was speaking in caliber of player.
