The scouts were talking during the 2026 Draft Combine.<\/p>\n
Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman of The Athletic gathered an impressive volume of quotes<\/a> about the top prospects, from Gavin McKenna on.<\/p>\n There was also lots to say about the more likely No. 2 picks for the San Jose Sharks.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a small sample, concentrating on Sharks-related quotes, from a great article.<\/p>\n On Ivar Stenberg: \u201cReminds me of William Eklund\u2019s hype; he was in everyone\u2019s top five, and then he goes 7.\u201d<\/p>\n On Chase Reid: \u201cHe definitely cares more about scoring than he does about playing in his own end.\u201d<\/p>\n On Carson Carels: \u201cI worry he\u2019s a bit maxed out.\u201d<\/p>\n On Keaton Verhoeff: \u201cI think he plays all day, but the level of offense he brings may be closer to someone like Simon Edvinsson than a true power-play type.\u201d<\/p>\n On Alberts Smits: \u201cI don\u2019t think he sees the game at a high level like some of the other top defensemen in this draft. He reminds me of Sam Dickinson a bit, but maybe not quite as good a skater.\u201d<\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry, there\u2019s a lot more positive than negative in the quotes!<\/p>\n On Stenberg: \u201cHe\u2019s very talented, and the way he grinds for pucks will translate to the NHL. I would take him at 1.\u201d<\/p>\n At San Jose Hockey Now\u2026<\/p>\n Joe Pavelski<\/a> is going to be interviewed for the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach position.<\/p>\n Other Sharks News\u2026<\/p>\n Michael Misa is joining Macklin Celebrini to work out in July:<\/p>\n sharks reunion in vancouver yay pic.twitter.com\/DPt47U2FNT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 yoyo (@poutingthrough) June 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Is Philipp Kurashev headed backed to Switzerland<\/a>?<\/p>\n Around Hockey\u2026<\/p>\n PWHL San Jose signs Maddi Wheeler<\/a>, their fifth player, completing Phase 2 of the PWHL\u2019s Expansion Roster Distribution Process.<\/p>\n Hilary Knight<\/a> is getting traded to PWHL Detroit.<\/p>\n Also in Detroit, for the first time, there will be a brother-sister NHL-PWHL pair: J.T. and Jesse Compher<\/a>.<\/p>\n Vegas Golden Knights fans fill up the team\u2019s practice facility<\/a> in support.<\/p>\n Historically, how good was Mitch Marner<\/a>\u2018s Game Three second period?<\/p>\n Dylan Larkin<\/a> has submitted a three-team trade list: The Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild.<\/p>\n Should the Montreal Canadiens<\/a> try to pursue Larkin?<\/p>\n Mike Babcock is on the way to becoming Edmonton Oilers head coach<\/a>.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Peter Laviolette is taking over<\/a> for the Los Angeles Kings.<\/p>\n Where are the Dallas Stars moving to<\/a>?<\/p>\n The Chicago Wolves are headed to another Calder Cup Finals<\/a>.<\/p>\n Brantford Bulldogs select goalie Sophie Jovanovic in OHL U-18 Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n Irvine, Fresno, and Prescott Valley have expressed interest in the USHL:<\/p>\n Hearing the @USHL<\/a> received overwhelming expressions of interest after this news broke, way beyond what they had lined up.<\/p>\n Minimum of six team western division starting in 2027\u201328. Early front runners appear to be Anaheim (Irvine), Fresno and Prescott Valley. https:\/\/t.co\/Re6Wv5wRQX<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t