‘It’s Gonna Be Fun’: Sharks’ Stenberg Excited To Face Fellow Swedish Rookie

A Swedish rookie showdown takes place Monday as San Jose Sharks forward Ivar Stenberg faces New York Islanders forward Victor Eklund.

Eklund, 20, is the brother of former Sharks forward William Eklund. Although Stenberg is a year older, the two have skated together at major tournaments. They played for Team Sweden at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

Now both rookies in the NHL, Stenberg says he’s looking forward to facing another top young Swede.

“It’s gonna be fun. [It’s the] first time I am playing [against] a young Swede here, so it’s gonna be it’s gonna be fun,” Stenberg told SHD exclusively. “Good person, good player. It’s gonna be fun to see him.”

In that tournament, the San Jose Sharks winger had four goals and six assists in seven games. Team Sweden won gold at the tournament with a 4-2 win over Czechia, with Eklund and Stenberg each earning a goal and an assist. Stenberg’s goal was the empty-net goal that sealed the win for his country.

Victor Eklund’s personality and playstyle are slightly different than his older brother’s. Stenberg told SHD that Victor loves to have fun on and off the ice.

“He likes to have fun. Likes to do stuff and joke around,” the Sharks forward said. “He brings a lot, too. Like, he’s so fun and makes everyone feel comfortable.”

Eklund is off to a strong start in his first full season with the Islanders. In 16 games, the 2025 NHL Draft 16th overall pick has eight points (5 goals, 3 assists). Stenberg has played three more games than Eklund, matches him with five goals, and leads him overall with 11 points.