The San Jose Sharks have solidified their commitment to their young core by signing forward William Eklund to a three-year contract extension. The deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $5.6 million, will begin in the 2026-27 season, following the expiration of Eklund's entry-level contract.
Eklund, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has quickly become a key player in San Jose's ongoing rebuild. The 22-year-old is coming off a strong 2024-25 season where he set career highs in goals (17), assists (41), and points (58) in 77 games. He led the Sharks in assists and finished second in points, behind only rookie Macklin Celebrini. He also contributed six power-play goals and two game-winning goals.
"I just wanted to say how excited I am to stay here for a while," Eklund said in a video posted by the Sharks on social media. "I think we have something really good going on here".
This extension marks a significant moment for the Sharks, as Eklund is the first player General Manager Mike Grier has committed to beyond 2028. He is also the first of San Jose's 2020s draft picks to earn a second contract with the team. As the Sharks continue to build around their young talent, securing Eklund's services is a crucial step in their long-term plan. Other promising young players in the Sharks' system include Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
Eklund's journey to becoming a core player for the Sharks has included overcoming challenges. In the 2024-25 season, he faced personal difficulties when his teammate and close friend, Fabian Zetterlund, was traded. Despite this, Eklund continued to develop his game, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the team.
The contract is structured as a bridge deal, allowing Eklund to potentially earn a larger contract when he becomes a restricted free agent again in 2029 at the age of 26. For the Sharks, the shorter term and moderate AAV provide flexibility as they navigate their rebuild and assess their future needs. The $5.6 million AAV is considered a reasonable cap hit for a young player with Eklund's potential. At the end of the extension, Eklund will be due a $5.8 million qualifying offer.
Eklund has shown consistent improvement since joining the Sharks. In his first full NHL season in 2023-24, he finished second on the team in scoring with 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists). Prior to his NHL career, Eklund also excelled in the American Hockey League with the San Jose Barracuda, recording 41 points in 54 games in 2022-23. Before coming to North America, Eklund played for Djugardens in Sweden, earning Rookie of the Year and Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year honors in 2020-21.
With the signing of William Eklund to a three-year extension, the San Jose Sharks have signaled their belief in his potential and their commitment to building a competitive team around a core of young talent.
