All eyes are on the San Jose Sharks’ wealth of young talent, particularly 2026’s second overall draft pick: 18 (soon to be 19)-year-old Ivar Stenberg. Just yesterday Stenberg was spotted on the ice, practicing with the rest of the Sharks. Arguably the best player in this year’s draft, Stenberg is ready to make his mark on the NHL. Able to play both sides of the wing, Stenberg is a versatile and responsible two-way forward who will do wonders for the organization.
Impressive at every point of his career, Stenberg has been perfecting his skills since he was a young teenager. At only 16-years-old in the 2023-2024 season, Ivar Stenberg was already wearing the “A” for Frölunda HC J18 Region. In his 18 games played in the J18 Region, Stenberg wowed with 32 points (5G, 27A) and proved superstar forwards can backcheck with a +16. This record in and of itself is reflective of Stenberg’s incredible vision and passing abilities, able to thread the needle like no other. In fact, he had the most assists in the J18 Region (South). When the season split and his team qualified for J18 Nationell, Stenberg continued his domination. In 13 games played, he recorded 30 points (12A) and +17, his 18 goals being the most in J18 Nationell (South). He was even instrumental in the team’s playoff run, scoring 13 points (5G, 8A) in five games. With such an impressive year, he very much earned the title of J18’s best U18 forward.
That same season he earned a promotion to Frölunda’s J20 Nationell team. In nine regular season games, Ivar Stenberg had 8 points (3G, 5A) plus two assists in six playoff games. Like many of the Sharks’ Swedish players, Stenberg represented the Tre Kronor several times throughout his career. He participated in the U17 World Hockey Challenge, helping lead Sweden to bronze with 10 points (3A) in seven games, his 7 goals being the most in the tournament.
The next season Stenberg returned to Frölunda J18 Region, but it was a very short-lived appearance. In just three games, he put up 8 points (1G, 7A). When the season split to Nationell, he joined the J18 team for a single game and scored a whopping 6 points (1G, 5A). Clearly in need of higher competition, Stenberg again was promoted to Frölunda’s J20 Nationell team. Needing no adjustment period, he quickly made his mark. In 27 games, Stenberg notched an incredible 53 points (26G, 27A) and an outstanding +27. Domination is an understatement, recording the most goals and total points in J20 (South).
In need of even higher competition, the 17-year-old was promoted to the SHL (Sweden’s professional hockey league). Although he was not spectacular in the regular season, tallying only 3 points (1G, 2A) in 25 games, he picked it up in the playoffs and scored 6 points (3G, 3A) in 12 games. During that winter, Stenberg represented Sweden twice more: winning silver in both the U18 World Junior Championship and the World Junior A Challenge. In the World Junior Championship he had 13 points (8G, 5A) in seven games, resulting in him being named to the All-Star Team and a Top 3 Player on his team. In the World Junior A Challenge he was again amazing, scoring 11 points (7G, 4A) in only five games. He was again named an All-Star, with his 7 goals and 11 total points being the most in the tournament.
Following that season, in the summer of 2025, Stenberg donned the Swedish sweater once again for the Hlinka Gretzyk Cup: a tournament meant to showcase players before they play in the season ahead of their draft year. Stenberg was instrumental to Sweden’s bronze medal effort, putting up 10 points (4G, 6A) in five games and scoring the most goals in the tournament.
Riding the high of an incredibly successful eight months, Stenberg entered the SHL for his first full season in the 2025-2026 season at just 18-years-old. In 43 games played, he was incredible with 33 points (11G, 22A). He had the most assists and total points by an SHL Junior (player under 20-years-old), was named the Swedish Junior Player of the Year, and had the best season by a draft-elligible player in SHL history behind only Henrik and Daniel Sedin. He was also a major part of Frölunda’s championship win in the playoffs, notching 4 assists in six games.
He would also, once again, continue his success in the blue and yellow jersey for Sweden. In the winter, he guided Sweden to gold in the U20 World Junior Championship alongside fellow Sharks prospect, Leo Sahlin-Wallenius. He was exceptional in the tournament, totaling 10 points (4G, 6A) in seven games, and was named a Top 3 Player on his team yet again. Ahead of the draft, he was invited to participate alongside NHL players in the World Championship. Unbothered by the pressure of competing at the highest level he’s ever competed at, Stenberg scored 8 points (4G, 4A) in as many games.
Following a career that was nothing short of mastery, the San Jose Sharks proudly selected Ivar Stenberg second overall in the 2026 NHL Draft and wasted no time getting him on an entry-level contract. His versatility provides a lot of interesting line combinations, as he is able to play both sides of the wing, plus potentially frees up some trade pieces. There are simply far too many forwards within the organization and not enough spots on the roster. Perhaps most importantly, though, he provides much needed support for fellow star Macklin Celebrini. It is probably likely Stenberg will wing Celebrini to start the season, just to help his adjustment to the NHL. After he adjusts, the wealth can be spread to the second line and create an unstoppable top-six. All that, plus a powerplay that is transforming into a beast for other teams, is making the Sharks a genuine threat to the rest of the league.
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