Sharks returning Eklund to Djurgarden

William Eklund is heading back to Djurgarden.

San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson confirmed Eklund, the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, will be reassigned to the Swedish Hockey League on Friday.

“This was one of the toughest decisions we have had to make,” Wilson said. “William’s tremendous skill and vision have been evident since his participation in our rookie tournament in September. In his nine NHL games as a teenager, he has shown that he is going to be a special player in this league but ultimately, we feel it is in the best interest of his long-term development to return to Sweden and continue to work on becoming the dominant player we know he can be.”

Eklund had four assists in nine games with the Sharks this season. He had a team-leading five points — all assists — in four preseason games.

He had 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 40 games with Djurgardens IF and was named SHL Rookie of the Year and Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year last season.