Eklund “Doesn’t Care” About Falling in Draft: “I’m so happy.”

The newest San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund spoke with the local media after getting picked seventh.

Here are some of the highlights of his Zoom availability.

William Eklund, on his reputation for being mature for his age:

I will say that’s kind of correct. You know, I’ve been trying to [learn] by seeing how the other men act, how professional they are on and off the ice. And also, being a good big brother at home for my younger brothers.

Eklund, on if he’s unhappy that he fell to No. 7 to the San Jose Sharks:

I don’t care. I’m so happy.

Eklund, on if he’s sticking with his plan to play in Sweden next year:

I think that’s gonna be a conversation between me and the club. Can’t focus on that right now. I’m just happy to join the organization.

Eklund, on if he kind of knew the San Jose Sharks would draft him:

I think I had a good feeling with them. Very good, calm conversation. A couple meetings. So I just had a good feeling with the Sharks.

Eklund, on why he admires Mat Barzal:

He’s so good at finding his teammates in tight areas. Creating space for himself and quick turns and stuff like that. I’m trying to watch him to develop my game.

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Eklund, on if his dad and popular YouTuber Christian Eklund will now try to get him to get Erik Karlsson onto his YouTube show:

Yeah, I think so. He hasn’t said anything yet. But yeah. (laughs)

Eklund, on how he would describe his game:

I describe myself as a two-way forward who likes to be an offensive threat.

Eklund, on possibility of playing with Karlsson:

It’s just a dream.

Eklund, on the conversation, in Swedish, that he and Karlsson — who jumped on this Zoom interview — were having:

Yeah, he was just saying welcome to the organization and how good of an organization this is. We’ll see each other around. And he’s so happy to have another Swede here.

We have manifested this moment, William Eklund is on the #SJSharks.

Get our reaction to the Sharks' newest prospect.

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— The Content Boyz (@LockedOnSharks) July 24, 2021