Eklund’s First Impression of Will Smith, Shoulder Recovery, Chipotle

William Eklund is now a seasoned vet.

Well, of development camp, that is. Still recovering from season-ending dislocated shoulder surgery in March, the 20-year-old is here, attending his third-straight dev camp, though he isn’t taking part in any on-ice activities.

Eklund says he’ll be ready for the start of the San Jose Sharks’ season in September.

The seventh-overall pick of the 2021 Draft, projected to take on a large role with the NHL club this coming year, Eklund spoke about his first impressions of the Sharks’ most recent lottery pick Will Smith, his recovery, taking on a greater leadership role, and some of his favorite local restaurants.

William Eklund, on his first impressions of Will Smith:

I haven’t seen him that much yet. But been able to talk to him a little bit, humble kid, he comes to work everyday. It’s fun to see, we added even more talent to the prospects.

How jealous is Chipotle die-hard @Williameklund72 of @_willsmith2's sponsorship deal with @ChipotleTweets?

Eklund: "I'm going to talk to him to hook me up there."

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 5, 2023

Eklund, on if he’s going to be ready for the new San Jose Sharks season:

Everything is going according to plan.

Getting better and better everyday. I’ll be ready [for the first day of camp].

Eklund, on his goal in training camp this fall:

I want to make the team right away. That’s gonna be my goal.

Eklund, on embracing a leadership role at San Jose Sharks’ development camp:

Been trying to go out a little bit, dinners and stuff. Showed them around a little bit in Campbell, where I live. It’s been a good thing for me to show [them] a little bit around here.

We are sad to inform you that William Eklund wanted to go to Pasta Armellino yesterday, but they were closed for the holiday. 😔

However, he is going to go before he heads back home👍 https://t.co/7Dgx6UajkE

— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) July 5, 2023