Stenberg Ready To Live Dream During Sharks, NHL Debut

The San Jose Sharks open their season on Thursday, and the 2026 NHL Draft No. 2 pick, Ivar Stenberg, makes his NHL debut.

He’ll play on the Sharks’ second line on Thursday with Alexander Wennberg and Collin Graf. The Sharks winger turned 19 on Wednesday and will have his parents in attendance for his first-ever game.

“It’s going to be fun,” Stenberg told reporters on Wednesday. “Like a dream. It’s hard to really put words on what’s going to happen, but yeah, big, big dream for sure.”

The San Jose Sharks forward looks ready to make an immediate impact in the NHL. After already playing at the top level of professional hockey in Sweden, Stenberg is ready to play at the highest level in the world.

“[The Florida Panthers are] a good team,” Stenberg said. “Two Stanley Cups lately. They’re a big team and have some good players.”

So what does Sharks head coach Ryan Warsfosky want to see from the rookie in his first game?

“Let him go play. There’s going to be some nerves there, and I’m sure he’s excited. Don’t overthink it,” Warsofsky said on Thursday. “Again, similar to all of our guys, play with instincts, and that helps you play fast. Enjoy the moment. You only get one first NHL game. I think he’s gonna really embrace that, and I want him to. Then when the game starts, I think he’ll fit in really nicely, and the game will slow down like we’ve seen throughout training camp.”

The San Jose Sharks winger told reporters he doesn’t have any major superstitions before a game, but he loves a good nap.

“Just be in the rink in the morning and then nap, and then just get ready for a game. Pretty easy,” Stenberg said.

Stenberg will likely have his helmet ‘stolen’ before pregame warm-ups as a tradition for players in their NHL debut. The 19-year-old will get it back, but he’ll get the ice to himself at 6:30 p.m. when warm-ups start for a few laps.