A full rebuilding project continues in San Jose,
William Eklund and Thomas Bordeleau are at the forefront of the Sharks' efforts to build a long-term core. As with the Kings, the Sharks are taking a slow approach with their prospects.
Eklund, a 20-year-old forward, went No. 7 to San Jose in the 2021 draft. He has excelled in his first AHL season with 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 52 games to tie with Evangelista for second in rookie scoring. Eklund's 17 goals rank eighth among rookies while his 24 assists are fourth.
Bordeleau is 12th in rookie scoring with 35 points (20 goals, 15 assists) through 52 games; his 20 goals are third among rookies. San Jose made him a second-round pick (No. 38) in 2020. The 21-year-old, who starred for two seasons at the University of Michigan, represented San Jose at the AHL All-Star Classic.
Other top under-23 prospects: defensemen Nick Cicek, Artemi Kniazev, Nikita Okhotiuk; forwards Danil Gushchin, Tristen Robins, Ozzy Wiesblatt