William Eklund Bio
William Eklund is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Haninge, Sweden, on 12 October 2002, Eklund was widely regarded as the top international prospect for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and was selected seventh overall by the San Jose Sharks. Known for his poise, vision, and two-way play, he has emerged as a key building block for the franchise since making his league debut. As of mid-2026, he is a member of the Ottawa Senators after a trade from San Jose.
Early Life and Background
William Eklund was born on 12 October 2002 in Haninge, a municipality in the Stockholm region of Sweden. He grew up in a household shaped by professional ice hockey, which gave him early and constant exposure to the demands of the sport. That environment helped him develop a mature understanding of the game well before he reached junior hockey.
Eklund’s father, Christian Eklund, is a former professional ice hockey player who spent time with Djurgårdens IF, one of Sweden’s most storied clubs. Watching his father compete at an elite level influenced William’s work ethic and tactical awareness. William also has a brother, Victor, who is also an ice hockey player, and together they have four younger step-siblings.
Path to Professional Hockey
Eklund rose through the youth ranks of Swedish hockey, eventually joining the Djurgårdens IF organization. His development in Stockholm’s top development system prepared him for the physical and tactical demands of men’s hockey. Coaches within the Djurgården program praised his hockey sense, skating, and willingness to play in all situations.
By the 2019–20 season, Eklund was on the cusp of professional hockey in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). His performances in junior and lower-league competition convinced the Djurgården staff that he was ready for top-flight action. That confidence was rewarded when he made his SHL debut on 4 January 2020, recording his first taste of senior hockey at 17 years old.
William Eklund Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Eklund made his Swedish Hockey League debut on 4 January 2020, playing for Djurgårdens IF in a 4–2 road win over IK Oskarshamn. He appeared in 20 regular-season games during the rest of the 2019–20 SHL season, posting two points while adjusting to the pace of professional hockey. The shortened schedule gave the teenager a measured introduction to top-tier competition.
During the 2020–21 SHL season, Eklund showed significant progress, recording five points across his first eight games. His strong two-way play and offensive instincts drew the attention of NHL scouts. By the end of that season, he was widely viewed as the top international skater eligible for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
NHL Breakthrough with the San Jose Sharks (2021–2024)
Eklund was selected seventh overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly afterward, on 16 August 2021, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club. He made his NHL debut on 16 October 2021 against the Winnipeg Jets, recording an assist in a 4–3 Sharks win. After nine NHL games, he was reassigned to Sweden on 5 November 2021 to continue his development.
In 2022–23, Eklund split time between the Sharks and their American Hockey League affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. He scored his first NHL goal on 14 March 2023 in a 6–5 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The following season, 2023–24, he played full-time for San Jose, cementing his role as a regular contributor in the lineup.
San Jose Sharks Era and Trade to Ottawa (2024–2026)
Eklund continued to grow as a top-six forward for the Sharks through the 2024–25 season, logging important minutes in all situations. On 1 July 2025, he signed a three-year contract extension with San Jose, signaling the organization’s commitment to him as a core piece of its rebuild. His combination of playmaking and defensive responsibility made him a central figure in the club’s long-term plans.
On 23 June 2026, Eklund was traded to the Ottawa Senators, along with forwards Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda, in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick. The move marked a fresh chapter in his career and offered him an opportunity to play a leading role with a contending team. As of mid-2026, Eklund is a member of the Ottawa Senators.
Driving Style and Strengths
William Eklund is recognized for his elite hockey sense, smooth skating, and ability to drive play at both ends of the ice. He excels as a playmaker, threading precise passes through tight lanes, while his strong two-way game makes him reliable in defensive-zone coverage. Coaches have valued his maturity and his willingness to play in high-pressure situations, including the power play and penalty kill.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Eklund’s most significant milestones are his seventh-overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft and his first NHL goal on 14 March 2023. His trade to the Ottawa Senators in June 2026 stands as another defining moment, reflecting his growing value around the league. Each step has reinforced his reputation as one of Sweden’s most promising young forwards.
William Eklund Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hockey runs deep in the Eklund family. William’s father, Christian Eklund, is a former professional ice hockey player who also suited up for Djurgårdens IF. The connection to one of Sweden’s most iconic clubs helped shape William’s early path in the sport. William’s brother, Victor, has followed a similar trajectory and was drafted 16th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Personal Life
Outside of hockey, William Eklund is known to keep a relatively private personal life. He grew up alongside his brother Victor and four younger step-siblings. His close family ties to the sport continue to influence his approach to the game.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 calendar year, Eklund remained a key forward for the San Jose Sharks, logging top-six minutes and contributing on both special teams units. His offensive production and two-way reliability made him a focal point of the Sharks’ rebuilding effort. The signing of a three-year contract extension on 1 July 2025 underscored the franchise’s confidence in his long-term role.
Internationally, Eklund was named to Sweden’s roster for the 2025 IIHF World Championship, though an injury suffered in a pre-tournament game prevented him from competing in the event. Despite the setback, his selection reflected his standing within the Swedish national team program. The injury did not affect his availability for the start of the 2025–26 NHL season.
Heading into the second half of the 2025–26 campaign, Eklund continued to produce at a steady pace for San Jose before his June 2026 trade to Ottawa. His combination of skill, hockey IQ, and character ensured he remained a central figure in the Sharks’ plans until the deal. The trade opened a new chapter with the Ottawa Senators and a fresh opportunity to compete in a playoff race.
