After the trade deadline, both the San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders are grappling with significant emotional and team dynamics. The Sharks dealt deep losses, including the trade of a key player that emotionally impacted young William Eklund, who was best friends with the traded player. Coach Ryan Warsofsky and alternate captain Alex Wennberg are trying to support Eklund through this transition. The Islanders, meanwhile, signaled their playoff hopes are dim by trading franchise center Brock Nelson, leaving the team in a challenging position for the rest of the season.
Warsofsky on Eklund: "Talked to him yesterday. Obviously an emotional day for him, and it's going to take some time. He's a young kid himself. He's not just going to show up today with a big smile on his face ready to go. It's tough. So we've got to put our arms around him a..."
New alternate captain Wennberg, leading, volunteered to take questions today on Eklund's behalf. Wennberg had a similar experience in Columbus, a best friend going elsewhere, when Vegas selected William Karlsson in the Expansion Draft.
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