BREAKING: Eklund Signs with Sharks, Willing to Play in AHL

Will William Eklund play for the San Jose Sharks next year?

It’s now a possibility: Per Puckpedia, Eklund and the Sharks have agreed to an entry-level contract.

The #SJSharks signed #7 Pick F William Eklund to 3 year Entry Level Deal:

Base 832.5K
Signing Bonus 92.5K
Potential "A" Performance Bonuses 850K

Cap Hit 925K, AAV $1.775M

Includes European Assignment Clausehttps://t.co/TR2powRdv3

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) August 14, 2021

This was a critical step for Eklund to take if he wants to play for the San Jose Sharks next season.

Time was ticking on this possibility. A player with a European contract for the 2021-22 season cannot be signed to an NHL contract after Aug. 15 unless his respective international federation releases him.

In addition, a source has indicated to San Jose Hockey Now that Eklund would be willing to accept a temporary assignment to the AHL if his caliber of play is close to NHL-quality. Of course, Eklund’s preference would be to make the San Jose Sharks straight out of training camp.

But if not, Eklund will also have the option of returning to his SHL club Djurgårdens.

San Jose Sharks fans will get their first look at Eklund this week: Sharks development camp starts this Monday and there will be a prospects scrimmage on Thursday night.

Observations About Sharks’ 2021 Development Camp Roster