San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier said Tuesday that the Ottawa Senators made an offer he couldn't refuse for winger William Eklund, sending the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft to San Jose along with two prospects.
Trade details and background
Grier met with media less than 24 hours after dealing Eklund, along with forward prospect Kasper Halttunen and the rights to unsigned draft pick Brandon Svoboda, to Ottawa. The Senators received Eklund and sent the No. 9 selection, a first-rounder in 2029, and a second-rounder in 2027 to the Sharks.
“It came together fairly quickly,” said Grier. “(Eklund) wasn’t someone I was looking to move or move on from. Steve got put in a tough situation there in Ottawa, and I thought he did a great job of navigating it and doing the best he could in a difficult situation.”
The trade came after Senators president of hockey operations and GM Steve Staios dealt captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers on Sunday in exchange for the No. 9 and No. 25 picks in this draft, along with a 2029 first-rounder and a 2027 second-rounder.
Eklund's value and fit
Eklund, 23, is entering the first season of a three-year contract extension signed on July 1, 2025, worth $5.6 million per season. League executives describe him as a legitimate top-six forward with speed and the ability to play alongside centre Tim Stutzle. Despite standing only 5-foot-10, Eklund is not afraid to play physical.
“I didn’t go into this off-season looking to trade (Eklund). He was someone that Ottawa zeroed in on and targeted as someone who could come in and help replace some of the production they lost with Brady,” Grier said.
Staios believes Eklund is a high-character player who will fit well in the Senators' dressing room. Eklund is close friends with former Sharks winger Fabian Zetterlund, who is thrilled to have him in Ottawa.
Reactions from players
“I was happy, screamed a little bit, and thought it was April 1,” Zetterlund said to a Swedish magazine. “I talked to him myself, and he was mostly shocked. Most of all, it’s really fun. He’s like my little brother. We are like brothers, even though I’m a little older than him. Now I get to show him around Ottawa, and we get to spend Christmas together again.”
Ottawa posted a video from Eklund, who will wear No. 27, on Tuesday saying he’s looking forward to suiting up with the Senators.
“I’m super-excited to join the organization. I’ve heard great things about the organization and the fans. I’m just excited to get there,” Eklund said.
