Sportsvival is ramping up its draft coverage as NHL teams finalize their boards, profiling the elite 2026 prospects and tracking how their junior, NCAA, and international resumes shape their draft ceilings. Among the most talked-about forwards in this class is Ivar Stenberg, a Swedish left winger whose blend of SHL production and international dominance has him firmly in the running for the No. 1 overall pick.
Ivar Stenberg, LW, 6’0” 185 lbs
Early Days
Birthplace and background: Born in Sweden in 2008, Stenberg rose quickly through the country’s hockey development system. A product of Frölunda HC, he’s been groomed in one of Europe’s premier pipelines for NHL-ready forwards. His hockey IQ and versatility were evident early, excelling as both a playmaker and finisher before breaking into the SHL as a teenager. Ivar’s older brother Otto was selected by the St.Louis Blues 25th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Physical Profile
Height / Weight: 6’0” / 185 lbs – balanced frame with room to add strength.
Skating & Tools: Smooth stride with excellent agility; deceptive acceleration creates separation. Elite hands in tight spaces, capable of beating defenders one-on-one or distributing under pressure.
SHL Path & Production
Stenberg has thrived in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) as a draft-year player.
2025–26 (Frölunda HC): 25 games, 6 goals, 18 assists, 24 points – leading his team in scoring and ranking among the most productive draft-year players in SHL history.
His production places him sixth all-time among draft-year SHL players, a list that includes future Hall of Famers.
Demonstrates the ability to drive play against men, not just peers, elevating his draft ceiling.
On-Ice Impact
Two-way profile: Trusted in defensive assignments, anticipates plays well in the neutral zone.
Transition game: Elite puck transporter who can carry entries or set up teammates with precision passing.
Special teams: Dangerous on the power play with vision and shot selection; effective penalty killer with active stick work.
International Resume
Stenberg has been a fixture for Team Sweden at every age level:
2025 U18 World Championship: Key contributor in Sweden’s dominant attack, scoring in the opening win against Switzerland.
World Junior Summer Showcase (2025): Headlined Sweden’s roster, impressing against Team USA with skill and poise.
Upcoming 2026 World Juniors: Expected to be Sweden’s offensive centerpiece, reinforcing his reputation as one of the draft’s elite forwards.
His ability to seamlessly shift from SHL competition to international tournaments highlights his adaptability and big-game mentality.
Scouting Section
Positives
Elite Hockey IQ: Reads plays multiple steps ahead.
Playmaking Vision: Elevates linemates with precision passing.
Versatility: Can score, distribute, defend, and transition – a complete winger.
Negatives
Physical maturity: Needs added strength to consistently win battles against NHL-sized defenders.
Shot volume: Relies more on playmaking than shooting; could increase goal totals with a more assertive trigger.
Pro Comparison
Mika Zibanejad meets Elias Pettersson: A cerebral Swedish forward with a blend of playmaking, scoring touch, and two-way reliability. Projects as a true No. 1 winger.
Sportsvival View
Projection: Ivar Stenberg is firmly in the running for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. His combination of SHL production, international dominance, and versatile skill set makes him one of the most complete forward prospects of the past decade. With continued physical development, he projects as a franchise cornerstone capable of reshaping an NHL team’s top line for years to come.
(photo courtesy of the Scouting News)