William Eklund got a boost to the San Jose Sharks’ top line, but he’s still searching for his game.
The Sharks forward returned from a lower-body injury on Nov. 11 against the Minnesota Wild. In the seven games since returning, Eklund has just three assists, all within the last five games.
He got the bump to the top line with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith against the Boston Bruins on Sunday. During Tuesday’s practice, the 23-year-old stuck with that group.
#SJSharks lines at practice:
Eklund-Celebrini-Smith
Kurashev-Wennberg-Graf
Gaudette-Ostapchuk-Dellandrea
Goodrow-Reaves-Iorio
Orlov-Liljegren
Ferraro-Mukhamadullin
Dickinson-Desharnais
Leddy-Klingberg— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) November 25, 2025
He’s played with Celebrini before, but not as much with Smith. Tyler Toffoli was often the other winger when Eklund played with the Sharks’ No. 1 center.
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Eklund says playing with the San Jose Sharks’ top forwards could become one of the premier lines in the entire NHL.
“Two very skilled guys. [I want to] compliment their speed and skill,” Eklund said. “I think our line could be a really good line in this league.”
Eklund’s play before the injury was arguably the best of his career, 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 13 games. His goal-scoring was up, but has since taken a back seat.
The San Jose Sharks forward told SHD during training camp that he wanted to add more attributes to his game.
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As far as how that’s going, Eklund says sometimes the bounces just aren’t going his way.
“Sometimes you’re gonna score. You’re in a good mood when you’re scoring all the time, and sometimes you’re not,” Eklund said.
But he’s also gained the trust of head coach Ryan Warsofsky in critical moments. Although he hasn’t cashed in during an empty net scenario, Eklund is regularly on the ice with Collin Graf and Celebrini in those situations.
“That’s something I want to have. I’m trying to close out games and be in the game when we want to score,” Eklund said. “That’s the guy I want to try to be. I think it is going better and better. I’m trying to have that trust too.”
From Warsofsky’s perspective, Eklund has been playing well, but there’s another level he can get to.
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“Playing on the inside ice is going to be important for Eky. I thought he had a really good start to the year. The injury slowed him down a little bit,” Warsofsky said. “[We’ve got to get him] back up to top speed that he can get to. I thought he had a step in the right direction against Boston. His game usually gets going here. I know it’s hard being out, and we’ve got to get him back going and shooting some pucks and playing on the inside.”
Eklund could be getting some extra ice time against the Colorado Avalanche if Toffoli misses the game. If the winger doesn’t play, the San Jose Sharks will likely dress 11F and 7D.
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