Sharks' 2026 Draft Strategy
San Jose enters the 2026 NHL Draft with three coveted first‑round slots, a rarity that has the front office and fan base buzzing about potential impact players.
Among the names surfacing most frequently, Ivar Stenberg is widely expected to hear his name called at the second overall pick, a spot that GM Mike Grier has described as a perfect fit for the Swede's blend of competitiveness and skill.
Stenberg himself has spoken openly about his eagerness to join the Sharks, noting that the organization's youthful core aligns with his own vision for rapid growth.
Another name generating considerable chatter is Daxon Rudolph, a 6‑foot‑2 right‑handed defenseman who could slide into the ninth position and is viewed as a future quarterback of the power play.
Rudolph has hinted at a personal connection to the Florida Panthers, recalling a dinner during the Combine that sparked his interest in the Sharks' upward trajectory.
The scouting staff also spent time evaluating Ethan Belchetz and Malte Gustafsson, both of whom remain viable options for the ninth pick, while interviews with Oliver Suvanto and Ilia Morozov at the Combine added depth to the talent pool.
Further down the board, Nikita Klepov, a Russian prospect who attended the Gold Star camp, is being considered for the 27th selection, a spot that could benefit from the camp's reputation as a showcase for emerging talent.
The Gold Star camp, primarily focused on Russian prospects, provided a backdrop for Klepov's performance, where even a light‑hearted comment from Igor Chernyshov about sunburn added a memorable anecdote to the draft narrative.