Ottawa Senators' GM Steve Staios has made a bold move to enhance his team鈥檚 roster by trading the No. 9 overall pick to the San Jose Sharks for forward William Eklund and two prospects. This decision follows the recent trade of star player Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, leaving a gap in the Senators' top six. Eklund, a former seventh overall pick, has shown potential with 163 points in 252 NHL games, yet concerns linger about his scoring ability. Discussions have emerged questioning whether the price of the ninth pick was justified, especially given Eklund鈥檚 inconsistent offensive production.

By the Numbers
  • William Eklund has recorded 163 points in 252 regular season games.
  • He produced 53 points in 78 games last season.
Yes, But

Some analysts point out that while Eklund has strong two-way capabilities and a team-friendly contract, he has yet to meet the scoring expectations, never exceeding 20 goals in a season. This raises concerns about his long-term fit and impact on the Senators' pursuit of competitiveness.

State of Play
  • The Senators are still looking to address multiple roster holes following recent trades.
  • There are doubts about Ottawa鈥檚 ability to contend in a highly competitive Atlantic Division.
What's Next

Moving forward, the Senators must carefully evaluate their roster and what additional moves can be made to strengthen their lineup without compromising their future, especially after giving up a high-value draft pick.

Bottom Line

The Senators' acquisition of Eklund is a gamble that reflects their urgency to improve, but trading the ninth overall pick could have long-term repercussions. It highlights the balance teams must strike between immediate upgrades and future potential.