Sharks Draft Ivar Stenberg 2nd Overall

With the second pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the San Jose Sharks have selected Ivar Stenberg from Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

About Ivar Stenberg

Ivar Stenberg entered the 2026 NHL Entry Draft as the top-rated forward in the international class and the closest challenger to Gavin McKenna for first overall. The Frölunda HC winger pairs high-end vision with quick, skilled hands and a 200-foot game that already holds up against grown men. He shoots and passes at a high level, drives play to the middle, and competes on pucks well beyond what his 5-foot-11, 183-pound frame would suggest.

Stenberg spent 2025-26 in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he posted 11 goals and 33 points in 43 games. That production ranks among the best by a draft-eligible skater in league history, ahead of Nicklas Backstrom, Leo Carlsson, and William Eklund and behind only Henrik and Daniel Sedin. He was named SHL Rookie of the Year and Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year, an honor previously given to the Sedins and Jonathan Lekkerimäki. He also led Sweden in scoring at the 2026 World Junior Championship with 10 points in seven games on the way to a gold medal, then added a Champions Hockey League title at the club level.

What sets Stenberg apart is how little projection he requires. Producing and defending against professional competition at 18 gives him one of the highest floors in the class and a credible path to an NHL lineup as soon as next season. NHL Central Scouting ranked him first among European skaters in its final list, and most public boards place him second or third overall. The ceiling is a top-line, two-way winger who scores at even strength and runs a power play.

THW Prospect Profile Excerpt

It’s very rare to see an 18-year-old prospect keep up and thrive at one of the top senior levels in the world. All eyes have been on Stenberg to see how he would fare in the SHL, and he excelled every step of the way, elevating his game throughout the season.

Stenberg’s high IQ and awareness on both sides of the puck alone make him worthy of a first overall pick. He finds the open ice very well, he takes the time to quickly assess what he wants to do, and he swiftly attacks while making quick and smart decisions with the puck. He does a great job of putting himself in great spots to succeed with dangerous opportunities or set up plays.

Stenberg is a great skater with strong edgework and speed. He’s got great agility, especially when he builds up in the defensive end and gains momentum through the neutral zone to attack head-on. While he has great passing and playmaking vision, he has a dangerous shot as well, keeping his head up and picking corners with great accuracy.

Continue reading the full player profile here.

How This Affects the Sharks’ Plans

For the second straight year, San Jose held the second overall pick, and with McKenna gone, Stenberg was the clear best player available. He gives the Sharks a polished, NHL-ready two-way winger who can grow alongside Macklin Celebrini, Michael Misa, and Will Smith. General manager Mike Grier had already set this up, trading William Eklund to add an extra first-round pick and open a spot in the top six. The bigger need is still defense, and with the ninth and 27th picks in hand, that becomes the focus for the rest of the draft. If this young group comes together, the rebuild has a dangerous forward core to build around.