San Jose Barracuda
BREAKING: Eklund Has Shoulder Surgery, Season Over
William Eklund’s season is over.
The top San Jose Sharks prospect had surgery for a “torn labrum” yesterday. He has, essentially, a dislocated shoulder. The surgery was successful, and Eklund is expected to be ready by September training camp.
While there was a rehab option, the recovery for that was lengthy and uncertain, so Eklund and the Sharks opted for surgery.
“Together with William, we felt there was just too much risk of another injury next season, and William’s goal is to play in 82 NHL games next season,” Eklund’s agent Todd Diamond told San Jose Hockey Now. “Mike and the Sharks have been great throughout this and allowed William the time he needed to make the best decision.”
On Mar. 22, Eklund came out of the corner against the Colorado Eagles’ Nate Clurman holding his left arm. He missed the next two games against the Bakersfield Condors.
William Eklund hurt here pic.twitter.com/kp80aagTVZ
— JD Young (@MyFryHole) March 23, 2023
San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn had offered hope on Mar. 29 that Eklund could return this season, but it was a tempered optimism.
“It’s not like he’s done for the year as of right now,” Quinn told San Jose Hockey Now. “That could change.”
Apparently, a recent second opinion on Eklund’s shoulder did not go his and the San Jose Sharks’ way.
Eklund’s injury is a catastrophic blow to the San Jose Barracuda’s playoff hopes. The Barracuda currently sit five points out of the playoffs, behind the Tucson Roadrunners, with eight games to go.
At the time of Eklund’s injury, Eklund was second on the Barracuda in scoring.
Just spoke with him, he’s doing well and will be heading back to Sweden for rehab soon. https://t.co/2CMGPYsouL
— JD Young (@MyFryHole) March 31, 2023
