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…
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