The San Jose Sharks are without one of their top offensive contributors, as William Eklund missed Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings with a late-minute lower-body injury.

“We don’t think it’s long-term,” Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said in the afternoon. “But, he’s been playing some [of the] most consistent hockey of his career. So obviously, it’s frustrating.”

Eklund, who is beginning his third full season as a member of the San Jose Sharks, has been on pace to shatter his career-highs in every offensive category. Last season, he finished with 17 goals and 58 total points in 77 games. So far this season, he has five goals and six assists in 12 games. A full season at that pace would see him finish with 34 goals and 75 points.

Eklund’s offensive prowess hasn’t been the only value he’s brought to the team this season though. He’s taken a step forward defensively, and become a major part of the Sharks’ top shutdown line, featuring Alex Wennberg and Philipp Kurashev.

“He plays with the puck. He can protect it down low. He holds on to it. He’s comfortable with it on his stick. That’s step number one,” Warsofsky said of Eklund. “He plays with pace. I think that line, it’s probably been our most consistent line as far as both sides of the puck.”

Warsofsky hopes that Eklund will be ready to play in the San Jose Sharks’ next game, Wednesday at the Seattle Kraken.

At San Jose Hockey Now…

Sam Dickinson is staying with the San Jose Sharks.

Shakir Mukhamadullin spoke about playing against the New Jersey Devils for the first time.

Dan Boyle thinks that Macklin Celebrini is a top-10 player in the NHL.

Why is the 2-1-2 forecheck successful for the San Jose Sharks?

Philipp Kurashev is playing some of the best hockey of his career.

Other Sharks News…

The Sharks’ competitiveness shows a bright future ahead.

Alex Wennberg’s name is emerging as a top trade asset.

Mario Ferraro showed off his Hockey Fights Cancer jacket.

Ryan Warsofsky isn’t entirely to blame for the Sharks’ early struggles.

Around the League…

Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins was fined for a two-handed slash.

Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm sends a stern message to Mason Lohrei.

Colorado Avalanche extend Martin Necas.

Brad Marchand rejoined the Florida Panthers and made an instant impact.

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy is unhappy with poor starts.

The Philadelphia Flyers placed Sam Ersson on the IR.

Chris Tanev of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been released from the hospital following a scary collision.

Brandon Montour has the hardest shot on goal to start the 2025-26 season.

Connor McDavid gutted by the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series loss.