2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Ivar Stenberg

The Scouting Report:

Ivar Stenberg stands out as one of the most complete players available in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. He’s coming off of one of the best U19 SHL seasons in recent memory, if not in history. Stenberg created a real 1A-1B draft scenario in the minds of many, given that he’s been such a driving factor at the international level. At the SHL level, he posted an even plus-minus, and he excelled in the tough competition.

Stenberg is in a position to be a lock in the top three, and he’ll likely make an immediate impact on whichever team drafts him. Rarely are there players in the NHL Draft who have as few flaws as Stenberg does, and that earned him the right to be in the conversation in the top three. The question is, are the teams drafting in the top three in immediate need of an impact forward like Ivar Stenberg?

Ranked #1 by NHL Central Scouting (EU Skaters)
Ranked #2 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #1 by Sportsnet/Jason Bukala
Ranked #2 by McKeen’s Hockey
Ranked #3 by FloHockey/Chris Peters
Ranked #2 by Dobber Prospects

Diving Deeper:

I’ve highlighted some of Ivar Stenberg’s attributes and the question surrounding where he may be drafted. Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes Ivar Stenberg such a lucrative prospect in this year’s draft.

Two-Way Play

Oh, the game that Stenberg plays in each zone. They’re all unique, and they complement each other. He’s got such an intelligent transition game, and his offensive and defensive styles. He’s got strong composure and doesn’t allow one bad play to throw his entire game off.

Playing in the SHL, he found himself playing against senior-level competition, and he maintained a dominant game throughout his season. He’s high energy each shift, and resembles a player with NHL-like qualities already. Should this transition to the NHL, Stenberg’s ceiling is incredible.

“Stenberg’s three-zone detail is reliable. He never cheats the game defensively. Despite the fact his offence has been down recently, his plus/minus was even and he averaged 3.4 shots per game. His body of work this year has been exceptional.”

Jason Bukala – Sportsnet

Tough Forechecking Playstyle

This might work in Stenberg’s favour more than he might realize right now. He’s got a motor that never seems to run out, and he’s effective in each zone. He doesn’t always choose the immediate plays that are over the top or fancy, but when he does, it’s with ease and makes his overall game stand out.

Stenberg utilizes this forechecking style to find open ice and to make smart decisions with the puck. A ton of this allows him to succeed when he finds plays to inject himself into, or even just find ways to get into dangerous opportunities or control the pace of play.

“The floor is absolutely bonkers for Stenberg. There truly isn’t an area he struggles with. He’s incredible with the puck, has a fantastic shot and might have the second-best hockey sense of anyone in the draft behind McKenna. Stenberg’s production fell as the season wore on, but he still had one of the best seasons by a U-19 player in recent SHL history.”

Steven Ellis – Daily Faceoff

Prospect Potential

Ivar Stenberg excites many, and for good reason. He’s got the tools to dominate the NHL for many years, and he’s made for an exciting possibility to possibly go first overall. McKenna and Stenberg are going to be the talk of the draft, and, rarely, there’s ever a 1A-1B situation in the draft.

Stenberg has been described as having a game that is an overall blend of the styles of Tim Stutzle, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Nico Hischier.

Best Potential Fit

Regardless of where Stenberg ends up, he’s going to be one of the lowest risk-to-reward ratio players available. The top two teams drafting, the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks, would benefit massively from a player like Stenberg. With other teams needing defenseman and others needing forwards, Stenberg could fall a little bit in the draft.

The Chicago Blackhawks, primed with some elite young talent, could take the next step should they land Stenberg. It would be the best fit for Stenberg and the Blackhawks.

Stats via Elite Prospects
Highlights via MyNHLDraft.com