Sharks Sign Ivar Stenberg To Entry-Level Contract

The first member of the 2026 NHL Draft has signed his entry-level contract. According to a team announcement, the San Jose Sharks have signed Ivar Stenberg, the second overall pick of this summer’s draft, to his first professional contract.

Stenberg, 18, needs little introduction. The Stenungsund, Sweden native had a phenomenal season for the SHL’s Frölunda HC, scoring 11 goals and 33 points in 43 games with a +10 rating. Additionally, the newest Shark tallied four assists in six postseason contests.

Additionally, his production in his pre-draft season wasn’t isolated to the SHL. Throughout the 2025-26 IIHF World Junior Championships, Stenberg scored four goals and 10 points in seven games, helping Team Sweden capture their first Gold medal since 2012. Throughout all international contests, Stenberg scored eight goals and 18 points in 15 games.

In our mock draft leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft, PHR’s Gabriel Foley wrote of Stenberg:

“Stenberg showed an overwhelming ability to control possession and force open play with patience and sharp playmaking. He is a constant threat on the perimeter who can drive play all the way down the ice or slip into a supporting role behind skilled linemates. That should make Stenberg a seamless fit into the Sharks’ top-six, still finding their footing.”

Given his NHL-readiness, it’s highly unlikely that Stenberg will play another professional game in Sweden. Given their moves leading up to the draft, San Jose has already opened up a roster spot for Stenberg to crack the opening night roster. Given their renewed depth at the forward position, the Sharks could ease Stenberg into the professional ranks, starting him on the wing of the third line next to fellow countryman Alexander Wennberg.