Sharks are being tied to captain of Original Six team after acquiring ninth-overall pick from Senators
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
San Jose now holds the 2nd and 9th overall picks in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The chatter about Auston Matthews is already starting.
The San Jose Sharks just moved William Eklund to Ottawa for the 9th overall selection, a pick the Senators had originally acquired from Florida in the Brady Tkachuk trade.
General Manager Mike Grier confirmed the deal Tuesday, leaving San Jose sitting on back-to-back top-ten picks ahead of Friday's draft.
The picks are real. The Matthews conversation, however, has a ceiling that almost nobody is acknowledging right now.
Auston Matthews carries a full no-movement clause in his $13.25 million contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season.
No package of draft picks moves him anywhere without his blessing.
Matthews still belongs to Toronto
TSN's Chris Johnston reported in May that Matthews is genuinely uncertain about his long-term future in Toronto.
The Maple Leafs finished 28th overall last season, missed the playoffs, and fired GM Brad Treliving.
New GM John Chayka has since described Matthews as a "happy captain" who wants to win in Toronto.
Pierre LeBrun at The Athletic noted Matthews is "most likely staying put" this offseason, though he has not fully committed to that.
Washington has emerged as the most credible trade destination if Matthews eventually forces a move.
The Capitals are projected to carry over $36 million in cap space and employ Spencer Carbery as head coach, who previously coached alongside Matthews in Toronto.
San Jose is building, not buying
The Sharks accumulating the 2nd and 9th overall picks signals a front office aggressively loading for a future window.
But a Matthews trade requires his endorsement of the destination.
San Jose remains years away from serious contention, and the rebuild is far from finished.
Matthews, who turns 29 in September, is not in a position to wait.
The Sharks may have the assets on paper. What no draft pick can buy is the appeal of a destination.
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