San Jose Sharks selected Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg as the second overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old Frölunda player follows Gavin McKenna, who was taken first by Toronto.
The NHL Draft took place in Buffalo on June 26. Justin Bieber announced Toronto's selection of Gavin McKenna. San Jose then chose Stenberg, making him the first Swede taken in the draft.
Stenberg reacted to the moment in comments to ESPN. "Jag är superglad. Det känns som att man fick en blackout," he said. He added that the pick felt superspecial and that he looks forward to contributing to the club.
The selection marks the highest draft position for a Swede since Leo Carlsson went second in 2023. Stenberg has played for Frölunda and represented Tre Kronor.
