Look I’m just as excited about Eklund as anyone but to say the Sharks should have kept him in San Jose last year because it’s what he wanted seems crazy to me. Historically it has benefited players to return to Europe for another season and Eklund is no different. It’s easy to say getting accustomed to the smaller ice is all he needed but I don’t think the extra year in the gym, gaining muscle and adding strength hurt. Clearly that’s benefited him this year as he has said himself. I mean he just turned 20 less than six months ago. What’s the point in rushing him just to appease fans that have little else to cheer for?
You do realize the ahl is a better more nhl like league then the swedish elite league? Its not even the best league in Europe, and could be argued that its not even the 2nd best league.
And the gain weight thing is a silly reason as he could of did the same thing on the ahl team. He would of got more hockey in last season also as he missed what seemed like a months worth of games because of the covid restrictions and other stuff.
Rewarding players for good play is how you keep them happy and willing to take team discounts. But punishing them for doing everything that you ask from them and exceeding at it by sending them back to the minors is not a good thing.
And you do not learn more playing in a lesser league and winning then you do in a better league and losing. Being pushed with better players is how you grow.
But then again the sharks as an organization has such an amazing stellar track record of developing players that we should bow down to every decision they make regarding whats best for players.