C/LW William Eklund - San Jose Sharks, NHL (2021, 7th, SJS)

[MillerTime]

So...Buffalo firing their scouts and having none for much of the season, including none in I believe Russia, Sweden and Finland...is good?

I can't tell if you're trolling or not dude.

They did not fire all of their scouts. Also they have had Anders Forsberg in Sweden the whole year of play.

 

[Osakahaus]

I don’t think having a bigger and more expensive scouting staff means your draft will be better. It could be, but you are guessing on prospects with a big staff or a small staff. It’s not as if having a small staff means the guys they pick won’t be good picks for the draft slot. It doesn’t even mean they won’t pick some more unknown players.

Scouting is all down to understanding what a player has and why you are keen on them. For Buffalo, that team badly needs a makeover on all ends, so I wouldn't be shocked if they try to cover all the bases these next three drafts. Then again, we can say Buffalo has needed a strong draft for the past ten seasons

 

[FireBird71]

Eklund > Beniers. Don’t care what position they play.

Uh no

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

So...Buffalo firing their scouts and having none for much of the season, including none in I believe Russia, Sweden and Finland...is good?

I can't tell if you're trolling or not dude.

Where did I say it’s good? I’m saying that you can’t guarantee worse outcomes from that. Having more scouts and a bigger budget doesn’t guarantee better picks. It’s still picking prospects.

 

[ZEBROA]

Uh no

Eklund could be the best player in this draft. And could not be. But a defenite no is to early to say. It is not much that seperates the top players in this draft.

 

[Hodge]

Eklund could be the best player in this draft. And could not be. But a defenite no is to early to say. It is not much that seperates the top players in this draft.

I would rather have the guaranteed center in Beniers who's also bigger and better defensively even if it means I'm giving up some offense. Maybe the equation is different if I thought Eklund was going to be truly elite offensively but even his biggest supporters don't seem to be suggesting that.

 

[bsu]

Best case scenario with Beniers is selke level Barzal...

Eklund best case would be Zetterberg.

 

[ZEBROA]

I would rather have the guaranteed center in Beniers who's also bigger and better defensively even if it means I'm giving up some offense. Maybe the equation is different if I thought Eklund was going to be truly elite offensively but even his biggest supporters don't seem to be suggesting that.

A lot of teams and fans would rather take other players. Still dont change the fact that Eklund could be the best player in this draft going back five years from now. He could bust too. I would take the chance.

 

[Orca Smash]

I have them at 1 and 2. Really like both players, splitting hairs imo.

Both have fantastic motors, and alot of skill to go with it as well as being smart and playing a pro level game.

 

[MBH]

Who are the 5'10 wingers in the NHL you look at and think Eklund might remind you of?
I don't see Kane-like skill, do you?

 

[Kalv]

As a Ducks fan I'm starting to entertain the idea that we might pick him. I was reluctant because of his size but the Ducks, despite the reputation has drafted a lot of sub-6 ft players in recent years.

 

[Masch78]

Best case scenario with Beniers is selke level Barzal...

Eklund best case would be Zetterberg.

Selke level Barzal? I don't think so.

 

[bsu]

Selke level Barzal? I don't think so.

His edges are just as good once he gets stronger he's going to be an elite skater.

 

[bsu]

Who are the 5'10 wingers in the NHL you look at and think Eklund might remind you of?
I don't see Kane-like skill, do you?

Zetterberg, Aho but more of a play maker (obviously this is if he reaches his potential)

 

[MBH]

Zetterberg, Aho but more of a play maker (obviously this is if he reaches his potential)

Zetterberg was 6'0

 

[bsu]

Zetterberg was 6'0

Okay? He'll end up an inch taller that doesn't change the fact they play similar.

 

[rocketdan9]

Anyone else have a feeling he'll be th best player out of this draft? Not sure why most mocks have him outside the top 3 or 4.

question mark for me. He is benefitting from a big european ice/less physicality. Tough to know how he deals with a smaller NA ice

I see some element of Nylander/Pastrnak in his game. Smaller version

 

[tony balogne]

I just watched 14 hours of tape on him. Incredible player.

 

[Masch78]

His edges are just as good once he gets stronger he's going to be an elite skater.

Barzal is more than just an elite skater. And I don't see the rest being close.

 

[bsu]

Barzal is more than just an elite skater. And I don't see the rest being close.

Yes but skating is what opens everything up for him that and hard work now. Similar to Beniers.

 

[lawrence]

I think it’s pretty close between him and Beniers and guenther. Very close. 1st 3 forwards gone in this draft. Can’t decide what order. But they will be the first 3 forwards gone.

 

[Killerjas]

Top 3 player for sure

 

[theslatcher]

I do find it fun Barzal is mentioned, but not in regard to Eklund.

In the interview that Eklund was erroneously cited as saying he will stay in Sweden as opposed to that he feels like he needs to(as he feels he needs to become a better shooter, shoot faster, and getting up to his top speed and keeping himself there), he said Barzal is the player he likes watching the most right now, and calls him a role model for players like him. Noting it's fun to see a smaller player having such success in the NHL

 

[Kalv]

How would Eklund compare to Kaprizov?

Both seem similar - undersized wingers that can drive the play and do a lot of good things with the puck.

 

[Gliff]

Zetterberg was 6'0

And?... Eklund is 5'11, not 5'2.

EDIT: 5'10. That was a typo.