2025 NHL Draft candidates have begun their draft season with the completion of the World Junior Summer Showcase. San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund's little brother, Victor, is a projected first-round pick.
2025 NHL Draft candidates have begun their draft season with the completion of the World Junior Summer Showcase. San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund's little brother, Victor, is a projected first-round pick.
Like his older brother, Victor is a speedy winger who can create offense off the rush with creative passing. William displayed an ability to score from the wing on the powerplay in the NHL last season, and Victor displayed a similar skill at the WJSS.
At the U18 World Championships, Victor had four goals and two assists in seven games. He displayed terrific hockey IQ and had a feel for the offensive cycle game. His brother William likes to go behind the net and pass back from where he came from.
Victor may have picked up the same idea during the U18s.
The Sharks hold two first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft: one of their own and the one the Vegas Golden Knights traded in the Tomas Hertl deal. Should the Golden Knights continue to be a successful team in the NHL, the Sharks can expect the pick to come anywhere from 17th to 32nd overall.
Victor Eklund was ranked as the No. 24 prospect in Daily Faceoff's early July draft rankings.
With the San Jose Sharks' second first-round pick projected to be in an area where Victor Eklund could be available, they might bring William's brother into the rebuild.