The San Jose Sharks made one of the most surprising moves of the 2025 Trade Deadline by sending forward Fabian Zetterlund to the Ottawa Senators in a last-minute deal. The trade holds major impacts for the Sharks on and off the ice, but no one feels the effects more than Zetterlund’s fellow forward William Eklund. The two Swedes had one of the closest friendships on the team and grew together in a way that translated to their play. Eklund has been processing his emotions around the trade over the last few days, and yesterday addressed the media for the first time since the deadline. His remarks highlighted their connection, his difficulty in handling the news and most importantly for the Sharks, how his disappointment could impact his future with the team.
Eklund and Zetterlund Held Deep Bond
Zetterlund joined the Sharks via trade in 2023 and quickly bonded with his countryman Eklund. The two hung out constantly during the season, with Zetterlund — who is three years older — helping Eklund adjust to hockey in North America. Eklund and Zetterlund became close friends, and they have many pictures together smiling and having fun.
“Everybody loved him. A great guy to all the teammates, all the coaches, all the staff, everybody around the team,” Eklund said of Zetterlund. “He was always a great guy, I know that. That’s who he is.”
On the ice, they occasionally played on the same line, finishing second and third on the team in points, respectively, during the 2023-24 season, Eklund’s first full year in the NHL. This season was no different, as they teamed up as linemates again and remained close friends. They were actually hanging out together when Zetterlund learned he had been traded, and Eklund was devastated despite his best efforts to put the issue in perspective.
“That’s one of the toughest days of my life, I would say. And that’s a privilege,” he said. “I’m not gonna say I have it tough. We have a lot of other things in the world that’s tougher than this. But this was one of the toughest moments for me, personally.”
Over almost two years, Eklund’s relationship with Zetterlund turned into the closest one he has had with anyone in the NHL. Like many others, he presumably thought that Zetterlund would be a Shark for a long time, and hoped they would embark on their careers together. Now, he suddenly has to adjust to life as a pro without his friend.
Sharks Must Be Careful With Eklund’s Future
As Eklund deals with Zetterlund’s departure, he can’t forget that he still has a season to try and finish on a good note. As the Sharks approach a last-place finish for the second straight season, he hopes he and the team can carry momentum into the offseason. But those circumstances highlight one of Eklund’s other issues with the trade. It serves as a reminder of San Jose’s inability to break out of their losing ways. Turning around the team will require the front office to hold onto players rather than flipping them for prospects and future draft picks. The Zetterlund trade has certain merits for the Sharks, but it also pushes their contention window further into the future, which can frustrate players.
“I think it’s time to stop losing,” Eklund said. “I want to win, and I’m sick of losing. Gets into your head. It gets into your off days. You think about it and stuff like that. I’m sick of losing.”
Related: What Each Team Did at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline
Sharks general manager Mike Grier tends to be very trigger-happy on trades. That’s normal for a rebuild, but when making so many trades, a team can lose sight of the human side of transactions. The Sharks have to be sure they don’t do so with Eklund. He becomes a restricted free agent at the end of next season, and if they want to keep him around, they’ll need to win some of his trust back.
Repairing their relationship will take several forms, including clear and transparent communication with Eklund and an emphasis on forming bonds with other players — veterans like Eklund’s frequent linemate Tyler Toffoli and other Swedes such as Alexander Wennberg and Timothy Liljegren. They could also make big moves this offseason to show that they’re serious about getting back to winning.
Eklund’s role will change too, and he seems to recognize it. With Zetterlund gone, he’ll take on a larger leadership role, even if that’s difficult for him to do right now.
“I think, Mike, obviously, wants to turn this around quick. I want to turn this around quick,” he said. “I’m gonna try to be [a] better player than I was in the beginning of the season and keep going. I know a lot of the other guys are gonna be better. Gotta step into some roles here, even in the locker room … I’m just trying to be a good example. That’s me working hard everyday, being more vocal in the room, and trying to be my best version … We’re gonna go win now. It’s time for that.”
