Max Miller
With the San Jose Sharks picking second overall in 2026, Macklin Celebrini gets another top-tier talent to help him turn around the franchise.
After winning the second draw in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, the Sharks moved from 9th overall to 2nd. GM Mike Grier spoke to reporters following the results and shared his emotions about another top-two pick in the NHL Draft.
“Shocked, really. You never know what’s going to happen and how the balls are going to bounce. It’s kind of happy and excited. It’s a good day for the organization,” Grier said.
After taking Michael Misa second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Grier and co. will pick another high-end talent to add to an already blossoming team. The Sharks GM was especially thrilled for the fanbase, who have endured seven years of struggles and no Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“It’s been a lot of pain for the fans here, and to go through this. A lot of losing here at the tank, over the last couple of years. It got better this year, but the fan base has been through a lot,” Grier said. “I’m just excited for them that we’re hopefully trending in the right direction. This is something else that gives them something to hope and be excited for.”
Projected top two picks Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are the first options that come to mind for the San Jose Sharks at No. 2. Grier and the scouting staff have done their homework on the prospects.
“They’re very talented, gifted players. I’ve had a chance to watch them both quite a bit over the last two years. Dynamic with the puck. They’re both, I think, shoot-pass threats, which is not always the case with young players, but you know, there’s playmaking and vision on both of them,” Grier said about McKenna and Stenberg. “They think the game well and at high level, and are a threat to score, or create scoring chances every shift. So very talented players, they’re exciting.”
Grier did say during his exit interview that he’d be open to trading the Sharks’ top pick in the 2026 Draft, and that remains true. The Sharks GM has never been shy about listening to trade offers, but he holds a high price for No. 2 compared to No. 9.
“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. “I don’t know if it makes it unlikely, but it’s obviously a different price tag [than] trading the ninth pick. That’s probably what the part of the equation that changes.”
The San Jose Sharks need a top-flight defenseman to help them get to the next level, and although there are options in this upcoming draft, Grier still wants to pick the best player on the board.
“When you’re picking at the top of the draft, we always try and go with the best player available. Really, I don’t think we’re gonna pass if there’s a big gap between two players or two positions. We’re not going to, you know, take a player just for need in that situation,” Grier said. “We got to do our homework. We got to dig into it. Most likely we’ll take who we feel is the best fit and the best player available.”
The 2026 NHL Draft will be in Buffalo, NY, at the KeyBank Center from June 26-27.
More About:Sharks News