Sharks Taking Offers For No. 2; Eklund Trade Screams More To Come

The San Jose Sharks had a busy Tuesday as they acquired the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The big Sharks move was trading William Eklund and more to the Ottawa Senators. But GM Mike Grier told reporters that he’s listening to offers for the No. 2 overall pick in Friday’s draft.

“There’s probably been probably five teams that have been very consistently serious about it,” Grier said. “We’ve received a couple of legitimate offers that we’ve had to really think through and have conversations about. I expect that I’ll continue over the next three days.”

The San Jose Sharks GM wouldn’t reveal which five teams have sent the most lucrative offers. Grier was asked what a package for the No. 2 pick would look like.

“It would have to make sense for us to move off the second overall pick, and potentially get a new player like that who can be on our roster for a long time,” Grier explained. “It [has] to be a very good young player, or young players who are maybe a little bit further along in the line than an 18-year-old that could step in and do the same thing, [and] be part of our lineup for a long time.”

NHL Insider Chris Johnston reports that the San Jose Sharks are still fielding offers for the No. 2 pick.

Trading for a top-two pick in the NHL Draft isn’t cheap; everyone knows that. For the Sharks, that pick can be used as a bargaining piece for elite talent that can help them beyond 26-27.

“We have a high value on it. I’m sure other teams who have picked in this spot have a high value on it. It’s a matter of other teams meeting that valuation when it comes down to how much you’re willing to give to get,” Grier said.

It isn’t a secret that the Sharks are in the market for a top-flight defenseman. Although the prospect pool is nice, even Grier admits the forwards are ahead of the blue liners.

“Our forward group is obviously ahead of the guys in the back end, but we have guys we really like back there. There’s lots of upside in all different types of players,” Grier said

Eklund trade gives Sharks more ammo for a big splash

As it stands, the Sharks will pick 2nd, 9th, and 27th on Friday night. Grier told reporters that he feels the time is right for a big splash if it fits their team-building timeline.

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

SHD believes that the San Jose Sharks will at least try to make another move to add an impact player. Rumors surround players like Columbus Blue Jackets Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski. There is also the possibility of adding Dylan Larkin, who has a term left on his contract.

Having two top-ten picks in a draft considered deep brings options for the Sharks. Grier has been smart with the trades he’s made since taking over as GM, and that won’t change here. Adding a player to add hasn’t been his method, and there is a reality where all three firsts are used on draft picks.

While the NHL continues to have massive trade action on Tuesday, like Jordan Kyrou and Bowen Byram, the Sharks will carefully scan the market. The San Jose Sharks are putting expectations on themself for the 26-27 season, but they won’t make their Playoff window shorter with a trade.

Grier told reporters that he has received more interest for the 2nd pick than other top picks in years past.

“I think teams realize that we’re at the stage where we’re starting to turn the corner out of the rebuild and want to get better,” Grier said. “Teams probably feel a little bit more open to making offers to us.”