Eklund speaks for the first time since injury
William Eklund spoke publicly about his injury for the first time Thursday as the Senators winger missed his first opportunity to face his former team.
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2 playersOTTAWA - William Eklund had hoped to face his former team, the San Jose Sharks, for the first time on Thursday. Instead, the 23-year-old winger was getting around on a knee scooter as he continues to recover from ankle surgery.
Eklund spoke to the media Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury in a high-speed collision against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 8.
“Didn't want there to be an injury, but shit happens in this game,” said Eklund.
Despite the circumstances, there were some lighter moments as Eklund caught up with former teammates and staff.
“Hey Bub!” shouted former teammate and Ottawa 67's standout Tyler Toffoli, who was among several Sharks players offering well wishes and a few friendly chirps.
As for when Eklund might return, that remains unclear.
Senators head coach Travis Green initially estimated a recovery period of 10 to 12 weeks following the injury, but Eklund wasn't interested in discussing a potential return date.
“Timeline-wise, I'm not going to go into that,” he said.
The Senators have gone 4-2-0 in the six games Eklund has missed, but his absence has left a noticeable hole in a lineup that could use his speed, skill and ability to drive play.
Before the injury, Eklund led the NHL in expected goals per 60 minutes at all strengths among players with at least 30 minutes played, according to Evolving Hockey.
Ottawa currently ranks in the bottom 10 in several key analytical categories, including expected goals share, scoring chance share and high-danger chance share.
Eklund was one of the key pieces acquired following the departure of former captain Brady Tkachuk, but the Swedish winger isn't interested in comparisons.
“We're completely different players, first of all,” said Eklund when asked whether he felt pressure to replace Tkachuk in Ottawa.
“I'm just coming here trying to do my thing and trying to bring the best game I can from San Jose to here.”
Wednesday's impressive victory over Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers showed the Senators can find ways to win without Eklund.
But as Ottawa looks to build on its strong start, getting Eklund healthy and back in the lineup would provide a significant boost to an offence still searching for consistency.
Adams' Apples
Thomas Chabot was back on the ice for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury against Philadelphia.
The Senators defenceman skated with technical skating specialist Shelley Kettles as he works his way back from the injury.