David Edstrom spoke to San Jose media for the first time since the Tomas Hertl trade.
Edstrom, who was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights at the trade deadline in exchange for Hertl and a 2025 first-round draft pick and other assets, recorded seven goals and 19 points in 44 SHL games last season. The 6-foot-3 Swede is one of many top center prospects the Sharks have acquired during their rebuild.
Edstrom said he will return to the SHL for one more year and then come on after that.
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Like Filip Bystedt, Edstrom could be moved to play a short stint with the San Jose Barracuda after the SHL season, with the youngster already in the mix on his entry-level contract, which he signed with the Vegas Golden Knights last summer.
In his first media availability with San Jose Sharks media, the 19-year-old spoke about his trade to the Sharks, how he wants to improve heading into next season, and his excitement about being part of the Sharks' rebuild.
Upon learning he'd been traded to the San Jose Sharks, Edstrom said:
I was home with my girlfriend. It was a Friday and we had a game on Saturday. I got a call from my agent at 7pm. He told me the trade might be coming through. Two hours later I got a call from the GM in Las Vegas and Mike Grier in San Jose. So that's how I got through it.
Edstrom shared his thoughts about coming to San Jose:
I think this is a good step for me. The organization is rebuilding. They want the young players to develop and build the team around them. So I think this is a good opportunity for me to take the next step.
“It's a great opportunity,” Edstrom said about returning to the SHL for another year.
I'm still very young and have a lot to grow and learn, so spending another season in Sweden is good for my development.
Ed Storm on the large number of Swedes in the San Jose Sharks organization:
It's great. A lot of people have known about it for a while. Some people say it's the new Swedish team.
Regarding areas that need improvement, Edstrom said:
First of all, skating is what I do and that's why I'm here. [it too]I also need to be more creative in getting the puck stronger. My skating is about getting the puck stronger.
Edstrom on playing with Quentin Mustey and Will Smith (Smith beat Edstrom in the World Junior Championship finals):
They are very skilled players and although I have met them before, I am happy to be playing for their team.
