The San Jose Sharks had a difficult decision to make regarding where William Eklund would play this season. Turns out, it’s Djurgardens of the SHL in Sweden.
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14 Comments
I don't think it was "cheap" by any metric. But the cap is a reality that has to be dealt with and trying to give him the payday he is going to get by 24-25 when his ELC would have ended if he stayed this season is just not something that's going to happen with the current set of contracts they have through 24-25. And it's not just him. There are other guys that will be getting raises about that time.
So the financial aspect was for sure not the only consideration. But there is no way it wasn't a significant part of it. Even if you have an owner with infinite resources, the front office in a salary cap league always has that in mind when making these kinds of decisions.
And yes, from a maturity, development/82 game readiness perspective, this was absolutely the right decision.
he didnt play in the WJC last year, so he will do that. maybe Devils will release Holtz.. which could be fun for him.. but of course he was frustrated with the decision, hockey aside, there is no hockey league in the world that comes close to the luxury, of everything that comes with playing in the NHL. every player wants to stick around once you get there.
It’s not that it doesn’t make sense for his development, I think it’s just the way it was handled. Why was everyone taken off guard? He seemed to be doing well, the team was doing well. It’s like the plan was all along to send him back, but Eklund wasn’t in on the plan. Didn’t seem like it was handled well, imo.
I think that it’s more that they want him to become that super star type player, he’s got more upside and want him to continue to develop that. He can keep up in the NHL, but the Sharks want him to become that star player that we all know he can become when he gets back.
sponsored by Doug Wilson :p
i was really caught off-guard with their decision to send him back rather than keep him out here (in any capacity), but i do kind of understand why they did it? he’s a young, talented kid, but it might be better for him to develop back home using the skills he honed/learned on the ice because he has massive potential and giving him time to work on things in a more familiar setting might benefit him in the long run. still doesnt break my heart any less that he left so abruptly, i hope this doesn’t break his spirit
You find it crazy and ridiculous.
But. Are you saying the kid isn't Flat Out Better then several of the current Rostered Sharks? He is playing Wing. He is not playing Center or D or goalie where there is more seasoning necessary. Wing is much easier on young guys
it's stupid to delay his assimilation to North America. He can get "seasoning with the Barracuda
Was the right call. Don't waste those early contract years on a team who might not even make the playoffs. He will develop fine elsewhere and hopefully he can put on some weight so he doesn't get pushed off the puck so easily.
should've kept him at least in the AHL, but he wasn't doing poorly in the NHL. Could've been great experience
Does this move have any significance on the team's coming decision on Evander?
I was shocked when they made this decision. Was hoping at least they would keep him in the ahl
william never gonna dominate swedish hockey. big mistake to send him back home. he is made for north american hockey
I don't think anyone in the Sharks media team ever questionned one of their decision or criticized one of their player.
This team has been beyong pathetic for almost 4 years now and all I hear is how awesome they are.
So frustrating and annoying to watch.