Max Miller
The 2026 NHL Draft is almost here, and the San Jose Sharks will have a chance to pick yet another top prospect.
GM Mike Grier will be faced with a choice, likely between forward Ivar Stenberg or defenseman Chase Reid. Top-ranked prospect Gavin McKenna is expected to go first overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but you never know. According to reports, the Maple Leafs told McKenna at the draft combine that they intend to take him first.
So, how does this affect the San Jose Sharks? In most NHL Drafts, the second-overall pick is sometimes the hardest pick to make. Grier has told reporters that he will select the best player available at No. 2. According to most draft rankings, Stenberg is the No. 2 pick in the draft.
The case for Stenberg
Ivar Stenberg is the No. 1-ranked international skater according to NHL Central Scouting. The 6-foot, 181 lbs winger played in Sweden’s top professional hockey league at Frölunda HC. In 43 games, the 18-year-old scored 11 goals and 22 assists.
“His blend of speed, first-step quickness, and balance makes him a dangerous, dynamic skater who can both create and finish plays. Offensively, he displays elite hockey IQ and patience with the puck, often distributing with precision on the power play and in tight spaces,” the NHL Central Scouting report says. “His vision and timing enable him to open up lanes and create high-quality scoring chances, as demonstrated by his multi-assist performances at both club and national levels. Also contributes defensively, maintaining clever positioning and showing a mature awareness uncommon for his age. Though still physically developing, his compete level and confidence make him effective in board battles and transition play.”
Stenberg is often referred to as the most NHL-ready prospect in the 2026 draft. If the San Jose Sharks draft the Swedish winger at two, he likely can jump into the opening night lineup. With Stanley Cup Playoffs aspirations in 26-27, that might be the best-case scenario.
Although drafting Stenberg creates a backlog of top forward talent, it also creates a good problem to have. A trade for a defenseman will likely be made, and there is plenty in the cupboard to make the move. If Grier stays true to his word, Stenberg should be the pick at No. 2.
Chase Reid works at No. 2, but is he really the Best player available to the Sharks?
The Sharks need to improve their defense. The 2026 draft class is very deep, with the top five to eight picks all being rated incredibly high. Although this draft may not have the hype of a top pick like Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini, it will help shape the future of many teams.
Reid has shot up draft boards this season. In 48 games for the Soo Greyhounds, Ried scored 18 goals and 30 assists. Sure, the offensive numbers don’t jump off the chart, but the skillset is there. Reid is a right-handed d-man with terrific skating ability and a strong hockey sense.
NHL Central Scouting ranks Reid as the No. 2 North American Skater behind McKenna. Although he didn’t start the 25-26 season in that spot, his play pushed him higher.
“A take-charge type of defenseman that dictates the game. He plays a ton of minutes in all situations. A smooth skater with good edges and an effortless glide. He displays elite hockey sense and composure, with the ability to read and execute plays anywhere on the ice,” says the NHL Central Scouting report. “[Reid] can jump up to lead the rush, knows when to pick his spots and has excellent recovery when transitioning from offense to defense. He is not afraid to mix it up and play physical and finish checks. No holes in his game, the complete package.”
Reid would fill a much-needed hole on the San Jose Sharks’ defense, but he won’t play in the NHL next season. According to his Elite Prospects page, Reid is slated to play at Michigan State University for the 26-27 season. Fellow Sharks prospect Joshua Ravensbergen will also play for the Spartans.
Reid will be a terrific player in the NHL. At 6-foot-2, he will fill out and become a strong defenseman. If his offensive game continues to grow and he can build on the already solid defending ability, Reid projects to be an NHL stud. Stenberg has a slight edge over him, but given the difference in position, it’s hard to say who is projected to have a better NHL career.
Even if Reid isn’t the consensus best player available at No. 2, if the Sharks pick him, Grier will most likely say he was the top player on their draft board.
Could McKenna fall to No. 2?
McKenna has been the consensus No. 1 overall pick for the entire 25-26 season. There is no reason to believe that will change come Friday night in Buffalo. After a slow start at Penn State, McKenna finished the NCAA season on a heater. As a freshman, McKenna was fifth in scoring (15 goals, 36 assists).
McKenna is a special talent who has areas to work on to become a complete NHL player. Despite needing to grow into his body and round out his game, the offensive talent is the best in the 2026 Draft. Nobody is questioning that.
“Shows exceptional poise and maturity in his game, demonstrating a high hockey IQ that allows him to dictate play. His skating stride is fluid and efficient, giving him the ability to separate in transition and maintain speed through tight areas,” says the NHL Central Scouting report. “He consistently makes smart reads, showing strong puck distribution instincts and the confidence to hold onto the puck under pressure. Projects as a player with pro-level pace and vision, someone who can drive a line and elevate those around him.”
The new regime in Toronto includes Swedish star Mats Sundin. Sundin’s hiring alongside John Chayka has sparked whispers that the Leafs may take Stenberg. That noise has quieted down with the report that they will draft McKenna. Although it isn’t ruled out, until McKenna’s name is announced, the Sharks need to do their due diligence on him.
Should the Sharks really trade No. 2 overall?
It isn’t a bad idea to think about the San Jose Sharks potentially trading the No. 2 overall pick. Grier has already traded back once before the draft, in the Michael Kesselring deal (moving from 20th to 27th). But when you look deeper into how the Sharks could get the return they want while staying in a spot to pick in the top six, it doesn’t seem as possible.
If Grier trades the No. 2 pick, it will be for a very nice return
“I’m always open to listening to what’s out there, and if people have ideas or thoughts, I’ll listen. We’ll kind of go from there,” Grier said after the draft lottery results.
No NHL team has traded a top-three pick since 2003. Looking at the teams directly behind them in the draft, getting the return he wants for No. 2 looks much harder than it is being made out to be.
After McKenna and Stenberg, there will be a run on defensemen. Reid is the top-rated D-man in the 2026 draft class, but Keaton Verhoeff and Alberts Smits are right behind him. Staying in a range to select one of those three defensemen will be the goal for Grier.
Looking at the teams directly behind the Sharks, it’s hard to find a trade that makes sense for both sides.
No. 3 VAN – Why would the Sharks move back one spot? Just take who they want at two, and go from there.
No. 4 CHI – Chicago is in the same boat as the Sharks. They want pieces to start helping them win now. Reports also suggest they are open to trading back from there.
No. 5 NYR – The Rangers are probably the most compatible trade partner for Grier. They have the rostered players to help the Sharks win now, but do they want to give up on that core? In GM Chris Drury’s letter, the Rangers are going through a retool, not a rebuild.
The teams behind them won’t give up their top prospects or top rostered players without getting something back. Sure, the No. 2 pick is a lot, but if a team behind the San Jose Sharks is also rebuilding, giving up top prospects also doesn’t make sense. At this point, I don’t believe Grier will trade the No. 2 pick.
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