Image: Yahoo Sports
The San Jose Sharks shock the hockey world by snagging Ivar Stenberg No. 2 overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old Swedish sensation had an electric run this season, dominating the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) before leading his country to a gold medal at the World Junior Championships and helping Sweden stun Canada in a thrilling 5-4 overtime thriller at the IIHF Men’s World Championships. Stenberg amassed an astonishing 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in just 34 games, cementing his status as one of the top prospects in the draft.
The Sharks’ selection of Stenberg is a stunning development, as many pundits thought the top spot would go to Swedish countryman, top-ranked prospect, and 5’11” winger, Joel Eriksson Ek, or Finnish phenom, 6’4″ defenseman, Ville Heinola, who had an impressive campaign in the Liiga. However, San Jose’s scouting department saw something special in Stenberg, and their faith was rewarded as the diminutive winger took his rightful place alongside the league’s elite.
Ivar’s family, beaming with pride, tweeted a heartfelt message, “We’re over the moon for Ivar! The hard work, dedication, and sacrifices have paid off. We can’t wait to see him take the ice in a Sharks jersey.” As for Stenberg himself, the newly-minted No. 2 pick is still basking in the glory of his unprecedented rise, “It’s surreal, to be honest. I dreamed of hearing my name called early, but this is beyond anything I could’ve imagined. I’m ready to put in the work and make the most of this opportunity.”
With Stenberg now on board, the Sharks look to bolster their top-six forward corps, which has been plagued by inconsistency this season. San Jose’s front office will be eager to see how their prized prospect adapts to the NHL’s grueling pace and physicality. Expect Stenberg to make his professional debut with the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, in the coming weeks.
Stenberg’s selection marks the fifth time the Sharks have picked a player in the top five of the NHL Draft, with the team’s previous No. 1 picks including Erik Karlsson (2008) and Joe Thornton (1997). As San Jose looks to build a championship-caliber roster, the addition of Stenberg should provide a significant boost to their offense.
The Sharks’ No. 2 selection is the first of three picks on the first day of the 2026 NHL Draft, which will continue tomorrow with Rounds 2-7. Fans can catch every pick live on NHL Network and Yahoo Sports.
Image: Yahoo Sports
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