Sharks general manager Doug Wilson called No. 7 overall pick William Eklund a "coach's dream" after the organization selected him in the 2021 NHL Draft. In new footage the Sharks released this month from inside the draft room, that thrill of Eklund falling to the Sharks was clear.
"Honestly I have no idea how you got to us, but we are so excited," Sharks director of scouting Doug Wilson Jr. told Eklund after the announcement of the selection.
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Wilson Jr. also highlighted how Eklund was the 2021 recipient of the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, given annually to the NHL draft prospect who best demonstrates the "commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism."
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"That was a huge role with us, so as we got to know him through our interview process, it just kind of made more sense that he'd be an amazing part of our community and he'd represent the Sharks very well," Wilson Jr. said.
Eklund was the top-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting going into July's draft.
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The Sharks were "over the moon" with their choice in speaking to the media after making the selection, and it's clear that buzz from the top front office brass was genuine.