Swede sensation
Ivar Stenberg was the first of a record seven Sweden-born players chosen in the first round.
The 18-year-old left wing with Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League was picked No. 2 by the San Jose Sharks.
“My offensive skills (are an underrated part of my game),” Stenberg said. “Sometimes people just see me as a two-way forward. Even if that’s really good, I think my offensive (side) is pretty good, too.”
Six Sweden-born players were selected in the opening round on six occasions (2023, 2021, 2018, 2011, 2009, 1993).
Stenberg is the seventh Sweden-born player to be selected among the top two in the NHL Draft; Leo Carlsson was the most recent (No. 2, Anaheim Ducks, 2023 NHL Draft).
Additionally, four Sweden-born players were selected among the top 15, marking the second time that happened in an NHL Draft, after Gabriel Landeskog (No. 2, Colorado Avalanche), Adam Larsson (No. 4, New Jersey Devils), Mika Zibanejad (No. 6, Ottawa Senators) and Jonas Brodin (No. 10, Minnesota Wild) went in that range in 2011.
Center Viggo Bjorck of Djurgarden (SHL) was picked No. 8 by the Winnipeg Jets.
“I think he’s a bit of a steal in the draft,” Stenberg said of Bjorck. “Eighth overall? For sure he should have been top five.”
Twenty-five Sweden-born players were selected over the draft’s seven rounds.