Ivar Stenberg has ‘more to give’ after being drafted No. 2 overall by Sharks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
In what is a rare occurrence in sports, there seemed to be a near-consensus that the Sharks had one of the strongest classes in the 2026 NHL Draft.
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Headlining the group was the No. 2 overall pick in the draft and Swedish import, Ivar Stenberg. Heralded as one of the more NHL-ready prospects in this year’s class, Stenberg made it clear when speaking to NBC Sports California’s Ted Ramey that he is far from a finished product.
Stenberg expressed the emotions of being drafted so early and what he wants to prove himself at the next level.
“It means a lot,” Stenberg said. “Early mornings, late evenings. Yeah, I worked really hard and I’m happy I reached this level so far, but I have much more to give.”
The 18-year-old forward shone with the Swedish Elite League’s Frölunda HC this past season, finishing with 11 goals and 33 points in 43 games. Landing a player like Stenberg might not have always been in the cards for San Jose, as their trading of William Eklund to the Ottawa Senators cleared the way for the team to take a young forward.
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Stenberg got his first taste of the NHL when he participated in the Sharks’ developmental camp earlier this month, and has already built a modest fan base as kids in the crowd were chanting his name.
Sharks fans are chomping at the bit at the thought of Stenberg and the team’s young superstar, Macklin Celebrini, skating in the same line.
And it might happen as early as this season after Stenberg signed his entry-level contract earlier this month.
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