Bigger trade now an option after Sharks deal William Eklund for No. 9 draft pick

The San Jose Sharks have completed a trade sending William Eklund to the Ottawa Senators. In exchange for the player, the Sharks received the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The move fundamentally alters the asset pool for both organizations as they prepare for the upcoming draft cycle, moving a established player for a high-value selection in the first round. Coverage from NHL.com confirms the specific details of the swap, noting that the No. 9 pick was the primary return for Eklund. Daily Faceoff provides a different perspective on the valuation of the deal, stating that the ninth-overall pick represents a high price for the Ottawa Senators to pay in order to acquire Eklund.

Meanwhile, NBC Sports Bay Area and California highlight the strategic implications for San Jose, reporting that a bigger trade has now become a viable option for the organization following the departure of the player. Contextual reporting from Yahoo Sports emphasizes the broader organizational strategy currently underway in San Jose. According to the outlet, recent trades have provided the Sharks with a significant amount of flexibility as they approach the 2026 NHL draft. The acquisition of a top-ten pick is presented as a key component of this newfound flexibility, allowing the team to either draft a new prospect or potentially use the asset as leverage for further roster movements. Looking forward, the focus remains on how the Sharks utilize the No. 9 pick.

Because NBC Sports Bay Area and California explicitly mentioned that a larger trade is now an option, analysts will likely watch to see if San Jose keeps the pick or uses it to pursue another deal. The Senators will be monitored for how Eklund integrates into their roster after the team committed a high draft price to secure his services. Coverage does not specify if further trades are planned before the draft officially commences.