The San Jose Sharks didn’t blink. With the second overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, GM Mike Grier selected Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg from Frölunda HC — and in doing so, may have handed fantasy managers one of the most intriguing immediate-impact rookies to enter the league in years.
The tools are legitimate, and they’re not close to the surface — they’re right there for everyone to see. Stenberg projects as a true number one winger. He has elite skill at NHL speed, a nasty release, intense compete especially along the wall, and hockey IQ that makes him an instant pro two-way threat. That last part matters enormously for fantasy managers in categories leagues, where two-way contributors carry real value beyond the point sheet. He pairs high-end vision with quick, skilled hands and a 200-foot game that already holds up against grown men, driving play to the middle and competing on pucks well beyond what his 5-foot-11, 183-pound frame would suggest.
The SHL résumé backs it all up. His 33 points and plus-10 rating in 43 games stands as one of the SHL’s best-ever under-19 seasons — better than both Leo Carlsson and Anton Frondell. In fact, it was the third most productive season by a draft-eligible skater in SHL history, trailing only the Sedin twins. That’s not a typo. That’s the company we’re talking about.
Now factor in the situation he’s walking into, and the fantasy case gets even stronger. Stenberg is expected to compete out of camp for a spot in the top six and is likely to fill the role vacated by the William Eklund trade. If he plays alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, as some expect, he could be among the favourites to compete for the Calder Trophy. For fantasy purposes, centering your deployment between two elite young playmakers on a Sharks team with plenty of offensive upside is about as good a landing spot as a rookie winger can ask for.
Multiple prospect analysts have noted there’s a legitimate chance Stenberg becomes a high-impact NHL forward as early as next season, citing his elite awareness, ability to manipulate defensive schemes, and creation ability as traits that translate immediately. He’s not a project. He arrived at the SHL as an 18-year-old and dominated. The NHL adjustment curve is real, but Stenberg may have a shorter learning window than almost anyone in this class.
Projected 2026–27 Stats: 82 GP | 22 G | 31 A | 53 PTS | +12 | 11 PPP
The fantasy verdict: Stenberg is a legitimate mid-round target in redraft leagues with top-six upside baked in from day one. In dynasty formats, he’s a first-round asset — full stop. The Sharks’ young core is building toward something dangerous, and Stenberg isn’t just along for the ride. He’s one of the engines. Grab him early, play him confidently, and let the production come to you.
The chess master from Gothenburg is ready. San Jose should be thrilled.