William Eklund

He is one of the players we were deprived of seeing in the World Junior Tourney, due to the Covid-19 restriction that limited Djurgårdens IF to eight games at the time. He has gone on to play an additional 12 games with the SHL pro club, but also has be relegated to 31 games on the U-20, where he is on an above a point a game pace. No matter the level, he darts around the ice at a terrifically high pace like a water bug, who can handle the puck effortlessly at top-end speed. Deceptive and extremely tough to catch, mark with a clean hit, so the defenders are usually backing off, so they don't get ghosted by his quick moves.Still not the strongest shooter (that will come wit added muscle), he is a puck generator extraordinaire. Maneuvers really well in high traffic areas in his carries. Has that knack to make defenders they can take advantage of the space he has shown to take back pucks, only to take it away and then escapes and creates a look.Like Patrick Kane he sets up on the half-wall of the power play, draws defenders away from his teammates, only to saucer the open outlet with a clean look. He doesn't have the shot that is comparable to Kane's, but handles the biscuit at top speed and is touch to get a piece of. Strong on the offensive push, strong on the puck, strong on the forecheck, always moving his feet and forcing defenders to take notice. Sure, he is undersized, but that seems as if it is a non-issue with his strong edging, power, and motor. His quick stick intercepts pucks, backs off defenders on entries, and he is a fun player to watch in the way he navigates pressure and gains the inside with more success than anyone in the class.

--Bill Placzek--