BREAKING: Sharks Sign Ivar Stenberg

The San Jose Sharks have signed 2026 NHL Draft No. 2 overall pick Ivar Stenberg to his entry-level contract.

Stenberg, 18, led all U19 players in Sweden’s top league with 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) for Frolunda. After his star season, the Sharks brought him to development camp, where the fans instantly welcomed him.

During the San Jose Sharks prospect Scrimmage, Stenberg scored a pretty goal. He told reporters that it felt amazing to score in front of a passionate fan base.

“It’s been super good. I’m super happy every time I hear them shout my name. Super thankful,” Stenberg said. “I’m super excited. It is a dream, so I am super happy. It’s been amazing. Meeting new guys and being here for the first time, it’s been amazing.”

Stenberg will head back to Sweden and train with his brother Otto, a St. Louis Blues prospect, and a group of NHLers.

“I [will] train in Sweden. Then I don’t know yet, maybe come over a little bit earlier. Be around here a little bit earlier,” Stenberg said. “We have a pretty good group. Some NHL guys. I train with my brother every day. We keep pushing each other and make each other better every day.”

Sharks GM Mike Grier and Director of Player Development Todd Marchant both believe that Stenberg is ready to make the jump to the NHL. Grier told reporters on Thursday morning that he hoped to have Stenberg signed before he left the San Jose Sharks development camp.

“There’s no doubt. There’s a curve that each player has to go through,” Marchant said. “I think that every player is going to be a little bit different, but I have no issues that Ivar will eventually figure it out.”