Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios has made another significant move just days after trading captain Brady Tkachuk. On Tuesday afternoon, Staios sent the No. 9 overall selection—acquired from the Florida Panthers in the Tkachuk deal—to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for winger William Eklund, forward prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to unsigned draft pick Brandon Svoboda.
Details of the trade
The deal, announced less than 48 hours after the Tkachuk trade, brings the 23-year-old Eklund to Ottawa. Eklund, a first-round pick (No. 7 overall) by the Sharks in 2021, has recorded 45 goals and 78 assists for 123 points in 248 career NHL games. He is known for his speed and skill, fitting the Senators' need for offensive depth.
“William is a dynamic and skilled forward who plays with a competitive edge,” said Staios. “We are excited to welcome him to the Senators organization, and he will fit in well with our core group of players.”
Impact on the Senators
The trade adds a top-six winger to Ottawa's lineup, which lost its captain in Tkachuk. Eklund is under contract for two more seasons at a $3.5 million cap hit, providing cost-controlled scoring. The Senators also acquire Halttunen, a 6-foot-3 right winger drafted by the Sharks in 2023, and Svoboda, a center selected in 2024. Both prospects add organizational depth.
For the Sharks, the No. 9 pick allows them to continue their rebuild, giving them a fourth first-round selection in the 2026 draft. San Jose general manager Mike Grier said the team is “excited to add another high-end prospect to our pipeline.”
Reaction and next steps
Eklund is expected to join the Senators for training camp. Ottawa now has 12 picks remaining in the draft and could be active in free agency. The team also holds an additional first-rounder from the Tkachuk trade, which they have not yet moved.
More details on the trade and its implications are expected to follow.
