Ivar Stenberg has been impressive, beyond the offense, in the pre-season.
And the offense has been impressive: The top San Jose Sharks prospect had five points in the pre-season, tied for second in the NHL, highlighted by a hat trick on September 24 against the Anaheim Ducks.
But, keeping in mind that Stenberg was playing against AHL-caliber competition in two of his three pre-season appearances, his play away from the puck is what makes him look NHL-ready. Stenberg has a solid foundation of two-way habits.
So what’s stood out about the San Jose Sharks’ 2026 No. 2 pick away from the puck? Macklin Celebrini, Collin Graf, Ryan Warsofsky, Stenberg, and ex-Toronto Marlies head coach Jack Han shared their thoughts.
Stenberg’s hockey IQ is what ties everything for him, on offense and defense.
“He thinks at an NHL level. He keeps up with the pace mentally,” training camp linemate Collin Graf said.
The San Jose Sharks winger has done it physically so far, too, at least in the pre-season, picking off multiple opposition passes with ease. Here’s an example from September 22 versus the Vegas Golden Knights, at the one-minute mark.