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Sandman · 05-23-2021, 02:47 AM

C/LW William Eklund, 5'10"172lbs (Djurgardens, SEL): In the past few months, I've been quick to dismiss this player, but after watching some highlights and reading more into him and his numbers, I think he might just be the best forward in the draft. This year, he played all year in the men's league, where he put up 23 points in 40 games, including 11 goals-which tied him for second in goal scoring on his team. His 0.58 ppg put him ahead of teammate Alexander Holtz (0.45), as well as Lucas Raymond (0.45), and Noel Gunler (0.38), who were all drafted last year. Those are also better numbers than Nicklas Backstrom and Jakub Vrana put up in their draft years in that league. Last year, the numbers he had in the J20 League were better than Niederbach and Nybeck-both also drafted last year.

Eklund's film has a lot of him just skating past or through defenders with his deft edges and stickhandling for a shot or high-end pass. In the SHL, he's a LW-but many think he will be a C in the next level because of his play-making,skating, and attention to defense. He's got a fantastic shot that he needs to learn to use more. His skating is said to need a better top gear, but every other aspect is elite. His edgework and agility are top-tier, as well as his short-burst and acceleration, which he uses to push pace.

Ek's IQ and vision are most likely the highest in the draft, totally jaw-dropping. His passing and play-making are top-notch, and as said earlier-he's second on his team in goals. "He already understands coverages better than most NHL forwards", so he knows how to exploit them.

His Dad, Christian is a folk hero in Djurgardens, where he was a bottom six player, and Dad has passed his heart and work-ethic down to his son. William is an excellent defensive player, and great in transition with a competitive motor. He has good retrieval skills, and an active stick to cause turnovers. Like his father, he loves to go to the dirty areas to get his nose dirty-and he'll mix it up with or without the puck. Engages along the boards, in front of the net, and on the forecheck.

More than a few think he's the best F in the draft, with the highest IQ-he's been compared to guys like Zetterberg, and Pavelski.

05-23-2021, 02:47 AM	#549
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	C/LW William Eklund, 5'10"172lbs (Djurgardens, SEL): In the past few months, I've been quick to dismiss this player, but after watching some highlights and reading more into him and his numbers, I think he might just be the best forward in the draft. This year, he played all year in the men's league, where he put up 23 points in 40 games, including 11 goals-which tied him for second in goal scoring on his team. His 0.58 ppg put him ahead of teammate Alexander Holtz (0.45), as well as Lucas Raymond (0.45), and Noel Gunler (0.38), who were all drafted last year. Those are also better numbers than Nicklas Backstrom and Jakub Vrana put up in their draft years in that league. Last year, the numbers he had in the J20 League were better than Niederbach and Nybeck-both also drafted last year. Eklund's film has a lot of him just skating past or through defenders with his deft edges and stickhandling for a shot or high-end pass. In the SHL, he's a LW-but many think he will be a C in the next level because of his play-making,skating, and attention to defense. He's got a fantastic shot that he needs to learn to use more. His skating is said to need a better top gear, but every other aspect is elite. His edgework and agility are top-tier, as well as his short-burst and acceleration, which he uses to push pace. Ek's IQ and vision are most likely the highest in the draft, totally jaw-dropping. His passing and play-making are top-notch, and as said earlier-he's second on his team in goals. "He already understands coverages better than most NHL forwards", so he knows how to exploit them. His Dad, Christian is a folk hero in Djurgardens, where he was a bottom six player, and Dad has passed his heart and work-ethic down to his son. William is an excellent defensive player, and great in transition with a competitive motor. He has good retrieval skills, and an active stick to cause turnovers. Like his father, he loves to go to the dirty areas to get his nose dirty-and he'll mix it up with or without the puck. Engages along the boards, in front of the net, and on the forecheck. More than a few think he's the best F in the draft, with the highest IQ-he's been compared to guys like Zetterberg, and Pavelski.