Tommy Wingels was all smiles Wednesday, one day after he was acquired by the Ottawa Senators from the Sharks for two minor league forwards and a seventh round draft choice in 2017.

Recently acquired forward Tommy Wingels speaks to Ottawa media for the first time. pic.twitter.com/nwVPQvclKk — Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 25, 2017

“Very excited,” Wingels said. “I know a couple guys here and to join a team that’s as skilled, that plays they way they do here, that has the identity that this team does, it’s very exciting.”

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said Monday that he worked, in conjunction with Wingels’ agent, Dan Plante, to find a match for the popular 28-year-old forward once it became apparent he didn’t fit into the Sharks’ long term plans.

Along with the draft pick this year, the Sharks received minor league wingers Buddy Robinson and Zack Stortini, who were both added to the Barracuda’s roster.

Thank you @SanJoseSharks for the past 6+ years. Loved everything about SJ, especially the great fans and unbelievable teammates I had — Tommy Wingels (@tommywingels57) January 25, 2017

By trading Wingels, the Sharks cleared space under the NHL’s salary cap and opened up a roster spot, as it’s expected that Tomas Hertl will be activated off of long term injured reserve Thursday when the Sharks host the Edmonton Oilers.

Wingels believes he’s found a fit with the Senators, who came into Wednesday in second place in the Atlantic Division with 57 points, three points back of the Montreal Canadiens. Ottawa hosts Calgary on Thursday.

“You prep for it and you think it might happen, but when it happens, there’s still the emotions that go through your head for you and your family,” Wingels said.

“You don’t know where you’re going to go. But when you find out it’s a team like the Senators and how good of a team they have and the kind of guys they have here, it makes it that much better.”

Cruel business. All the best to a world class teammate. A special guy, he will be missed. @tommywingels57 good luck Dewy — Logan Couture (@Logancouture) January 24, 2017

Wingels had 51 goals, 71 assists and 197 penalty minutes in 337 career NHL games, all with San Jose. For four consecutive seasons starting in 2012-13, Wingels, listed at 6-foot and 200 pounds, also led the Sharks in hits.

Wingels was originally drafted by San Jose in the sixth round (177th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Tough day!! 😰😰l'll miss you my best friend @tommywingels57

I wish all the best.

Fun must be always🍰

Never forget that!

Peas and Carrots! — Tomáš Hertl (@TomasHertl48) January 24, 2017

“It’s bittersweet,” Wingels said. “It’s the only thing you know. It’s the only organization you’re with, it’s the team that drafted you, the team that groomed you through your development years. You played in the minors with them. You go through all that with the same core group of players.

“It’s certainly a lot of mixed emotions. A lot of friendships that you’ve made over the years, a lot of good friends, people within the organization. So it’s tough to say goodbye to them. Fortunately I had some time yesterday to do that. That’s in the past now and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the guys tomorrow. I met a few guys today and learned a lot. I’m excited for this new chapter of my career.”