Sharks fans’ hearts are broken today.
The San Jose Sharks have made a massive trade. GM Mike Grier struck a deal with the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday afternoon. Beloved Shark William Eklund is gone.
Credit: NHL-Twitter/XThe Sharks traded Eklund, prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the free agent rights of Brandon Svoboda to Ottawa for the 9th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The shocking trade paves the way for the Sharks to draft Ivar Stenberg second overall. There was a debate between Stenberg and Chase Reid. That debate appears to have been settled now.
Who would have thought winning the Draft Lottery would mean losing Eklund?
This is a tough trade to accept. Eklund was the very first brick in the rebuild. He was there in the darkness—the first ray of light. Sharks fans clung to Eklund. At least now, he has been reunited with Fabian Zetterlund in Ottawa.
Grier has yet to lead this rebuild astray. These are the moves that may hurt, but could be for the better. Remember the anger after the Tomas Hertl trade?
And mark my words: This is the move that will make or break the rebuild.
Now, the Sharks have two picks in the top 10 and three in the first round. Could Grier be gathering picks to flip for an NHL defenseman? Or, will he stand pat and take one 9th overall? Keaton Verhoeff, perhaps?
Today has been an insane day across the NHL.
The craziness could continue through Friday when the Draft commences.
