Top prospects for San Jose Sharks

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the San Jose Sharks, according to NHL.com.

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1. William Eklund, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 7 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: San Jose (NHL): 9 GP, 0-4-4; Djurgardens (SHL): 29 GP, 1-13-14
The 19-year-old started last season with the Sharks before being sent back to play in Sweden.
San Jose needs offense, and Eklund (5-foot-11, 181 pounds) is expected to compete for a roster spot in training camp.
He turns 20 on Oct. 12.
"Just really excited about the skill set, the pace and the energy he plays with," Sharks director of amateur scouting Chris Morehouse said. "Judging by where he's at, he really wants to take a huge step and make the Sharks out of camp and be there. He's put the work in this summer so I'm excited to see where he's at right at camp and obviously rookie camp leading up to it. He's a guy you have to get excited about because he has some electric ability."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Thomas Bordeleau, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 38 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: San Jose (NHL): 8 GP, 0-5-5; Michigan (NCAA); 37 GP, 12-25-37
The 20-year-old (5-10, 175) finished last season with the Sharks and made an impression.
He continued to showcase his skills at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship in August, leading the United States with eight points (one goal, seven assists) in five games.
"I think one of the things I grew to appreciate with Bordeleau, especially watching him at Michigan, is he's a guy that has that type of hockey IQ and ability to slow the game down and also pick it up," Morehouse said. "I think you have to envision him being that at the NHL level. If you're going to be a special small player you have to stick to doing the things that you do well."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Filip Bystedt , F

How acquired: Selected with No. 27 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Linkoping (SHL) 15 GP, 1-1-2
Morehouse said the Sharks like Bystedt for his size (6-2, 187) and project him as a second- or third-line center. They're willing to give the 18-year-old the time he needs to develop in the Swedish Hockey League before bringing him to North America.
He played primarily with Linkoping's team in Sweden's junior league last season, where he had 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in 40 games.
"He's a big, rangy center," Morehouse said. "If you look at his skill set and his package, every team wants to get bigger and stronger down the middle of the ice and this kid has some untapped potential. He's got a lot of tools. He can move well. He can skate. He's got hockey sense. He just has to put it all together."
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25

4. Cameron Lund , F

How acquired: Selected with No. 34 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Green Bay (USHL): 62 GP, 25-25-50
The 18-year-old will play NCAA hockey at Northeastern University this season after leading Green Bay in goals last season. Lund (6-1, 185) was third among United States Hockey League rookies in goals and points and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team.
"I am really high on the kid," Morehouse said. "I think he can change pace really well. He's got an NHL shot, NHL size. He's a big, strong kid. He's going to a good program at Northeastern where he's going to develop."
Projected NHL arrival: 2025-26

5. Mattias Havelid , D

How acquired: Selected with No. 45 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Linkoping (SHL): 23 GP, 0-0-0
What Havelid (5-9, 165) lacks in size he makes up for in confidence, Morehouse said. The 18-year-old also had 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) playing with Bystedt on Linkoping's team that won the J20 Nationell championship in Sweden's junior league.
His father, Niclas Havelid, played 628 NHL games as a defenseman with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Atlanta Thrashers and New Jersey Devils from 1999-2009.
"He's got swagger for a small [defenseman]," Morehouse said. "You have to play with a chip on your shoulder, especially when you get into that size. He has that."
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25