Sharks Trade Eklund, Halttunen, Svoboda to Senators for 9th-Overall 2026 Draft Pick

On June 23, 2026 the San Jose Sharks traded forward William Eklund, prospect Kasper Halttunen and the rights to Brandon Svoboda to the Ottawa Senators for the ninth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The selection, originally owned by the Florida Panthers, had been obtained by Ottawa in the Brady Tkachuk trade the previous day.

Ottawa Senators Acquire Forward William Eklund From San Jose SharksSenators acquire William Eklund, prospects from SharksESPNSenators swing blockbuster trade with Sharks for rising star forwardThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)

William Eklund, 23, posted 15 goals, 38 assists (53 points) in 78 games for San Jose in 2025-26 and is under contract through 2028-29 at $5.6 million AAV. Kasper Halttunen, 21, recorded 16 goals, 19 assists (35 points) in 69 AHL games. Brandon Svoboda, 21, logged 15 points (6 goals) in 35 NCAA games and earned six points in seven games for Team USA at the 2025 World Junior Championship.

Sharks acquire the ninth overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft from OttawaSenators acquire F Eklund, two prospects from Sharks for 2026 No. 9 pickSharks trade Eklund to Senators for No. 9 pickOttawa Senators acquire William Eklund and two prospects from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a first-round pick in 2026Senators swing blockbuster trade with Sharks for rising star forward

Sharks GM Mike Grier said the trade fits the club’s rebuild and its strategy of acquiring high-value draft assets. Senators GM/President of Hockey Operations Steve Staios called Eklund a “dynamic and skilled forward” who will integrate with Ottawa’s core and help replace the production lost with Tkachuk.

Senators acquire William Eklund, prospects from Sharks

Analysts point to Eklund’s recent slump—one goal and 14 assists in a 30-game stretch—and note his 0.81 points-per-game rate may not match Tkachuk’s output. The trade also removes a top-six winger from Ottawa’s roster, raising concerns about depth and immediate playoff impact.

Bleacher Report

San Jose’s reported cap space varies between $19.6 million (PuckPedia) and $46.1 million (Santa Cruz Sentinel). The total number of draft picks the Sharks hold is described as eight overall versus four in the first two rounds. No comment from the Florida Panthers on the original ninth-overall pick was released.

Santa Cruz Sentinel

The Sharks now possess No. 2, No. 9 and No. 27 first-round picks, giving them leverage to select a top prospect such as Ivar Stenberg at No. 2 or address defensive needs at No. 9. Ottawa adds a young two-way winger and two prospects while retaining cap flexibility, but must integrate Eklund quickly to stay competitive.

Santa Cruz Sentinel

The 2026 NHL Draft opens Friday in Buffalo. San Jose is expected to use the No. 2 pick on Ivar Stenberg or centre Gavin McKenna and may trade the No. 9 selection for an established player. Ottawa will assess Eklund’s role for the 2026-27 season and monitor its cap position ahead of free agency.

ESPN

• “William is a dynamic and skilled forward who plays with a competitive edge,” — Steve Staios, Senators GM

Senators acquire William Eklund, prospects from Sharks

• “It’s something we’re not afraid to do, and try to get in on. I think we’re at the right spot in our path here to possibly add a big piece.” — Mike Grier, Sharks GM

BREAKING: Sharks Trade Eklund, Prospects To Senators For Top 10 Pick

• “If the player fits and makes us better and is in the right age group, then I think we’d be in on them for sure.” — Mike Grier, Sharks GM

BREAKING: Sharks Trade Eklund, Prospects To Senators For Top 10 Pick

• “It’s all about the fit and the age, and so if those guys become available for sure,” Grier said.” — Mike Grier, Sharks GM

BREAKING: Sharks Trade Eklund, Prospects To Senators For Top 10 Pick