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     William Eklund has never been the type to coast. After posting a breakout 58 point season for the San Jose Sharks in 2024-25, the 22 year old winger is determined to make sure last year is only the beginning. Between recovering from a serious wrist injury, signing a new contract extension, and stepping into larger expectations, Eklund is working to add new layers to his game, especially in areas that do not always show up on the scoresheet.

His recovery from injury has been a test in itself. In May, while training with Team Sweden, Eklund suffered a frightening skate cut to his left wrist that required surgery and kept him out of the World Championships. Weeks in a cast limited his training, but by the time camp opened he was skating, scrimmaging, and slowly regaining full confidence. What could have been a setback is instead shaping into motivation.

Eklund has been clear about his focus. He does not just want to be the same offensive playmaker he was last season. He wants to be more defensively responsible, stronger on the penalty kill, and a player who can be counted on every single night. He admits that consistency is a key step forward, explaining that even when the points are not coming he must find ways to contribute. That mindset reflects a growing maturity and a desire to transition from young talent to foundational piece.

Leadership is also becoming part of the conversation. Eklund has spoken about wanting to be more of a leader on and off the ice. With the Sharks leaning heavily on younger players, his ability to set an example matters. He is now skating alongside top prospects like Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov, giving him a dual role of competitor and mentor. Those sessions suggest that the wrist is no longer an issue, and his speed and skill remain intact.

The organization is showing its belief in him as well. Eklund signed a three year, 16.8 million dollar extension beginning in 2026-27, a commitment that signals he is central to the Sharks’ future. That contract comes with expectations, and Eklund seems ready to meet them. His ambition to improve defensively, battle harder in tight games, and bring consistent energy every night could be the difference between the Sharks hanging in close games or letting them slip away as they often did last season.

Eklund’s path is one of transformation. The leap from promising winger to cornerstone player is never easy, but his approach suggests he understands the work required. His goal is not only to deliver highlight reel moments but to become reliable in all situations. For San Jose, that could mean stability in a lineup that has lacked it. For Eklund, it could mean redefining what his ceiling looks like.

As the new season begins, Sharks fans will watch not just for his goals and dazzling passes but for how he performs in the less glamorous parts of the game. Blocking shots, chasing down loose pucks, anchoring special teams, and showing effort regardless of circumstance will be as important as anything on the stat sheet. If he succeeds, Eklund may emerge not just as a young star but as the player who helps turn San Jose’s rebuild into something more resilient.