Ivar Stenberg Emerging as Top Draft Target for Canucks
Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg is generating significant buzz as a possible third-overall selection for the Vancouver Canucks in the upcoming NHL draft, scheduled for June 26-27 in Buffalo. The highly-touted prospect, who believes he can step directly into an NHL lineup, has impressed scouts with his exceptional hockey IQ and dynamic two-way play.
At the NHL scouting combine last week, teams tested prospects through traditional and innovative strength initiatives. However, what couldn't be assessed was hockey IQ and on-ice skills — the great separators for Stenberg. In the NFL scouting combine, skills are tested on a playing surface for specific positions, allowing teams to evaluate how prime prospects read and react in drills that mirror game-like situations. If Stenberg were challenged similarly on ice, he would rank among the elite.
It takes something special to thrive in the Swedish Hockey League as an 18-year-old rookie, chasing the first-year exploits of Henrik and Daniel Sedin. It also requires significant stature to excel at the world junior hockey championship and look comfortable at the men's world hockey tournament. Stenberg did all that, and his confidence was evident at the combine.
"I want to play over here — best league in the world," Stenberg said. "I was around NHL guys at the worlds and I really think I can do that. More confidence every day when you're around them and feel like you can compete with them."
Stenberg's 33 points (11-22) this SHL season were fifth most by an 18-year-old, and most since Daniel Sedin (42 points) and Henrik Sedin (34 points) in the 1998-99 season. The Sedins, now co-presidents of hockey operations for the Canucks, have been involved in scouting meetings and have taken note of Stenberg's abilities.
Stenberg also had 10 points (4-6) in seven games at the 2026 world junior championship, where Sweden captured gold, and added eight points (4-4) in the men's world tournament. He played on a line with Detroit Red Wings winger Lucas Raymond, selected fourth overall in 2020, who has served as a sounding board for Stenberg.
"I try to pick up stuff. How he sees the ice, carries the puck, and sees the game," Stenberg said of Raymond.
Stenberg's brother, Otto, was selected 25th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, adding to the hockey lineage. If the Canucks trade Jake DeBrusk, and Jonathan Lekkerimaki is slowed by February shoulder procedures, the team will be thin at wing. Liam Ohgren is a budding power forward, while Linus Karlsson and Drew O'Connor had career goal seasons, but Nils Hoglander struggled and Brock Boeser dipped.
Of course, the draft caveat is what the San Jose Sharks do with the second-overall selection. They could target Stenberg to pair with Macklin Celebrini, but need a prolific puck-moving, power play quarterback. The answer could be OHL standout Chase Reid, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defenceman who put up 48 points (18-30) in 45 games and is considered a prime pick in a rich crop of draftable blueliners.
"The only defenceman I have with a high probability of being a No. 1," veteran NHL prospects scout Shane Malloy told Postmedia. "He can do everything. It's like watching Drew Doughty with what he brings strategically."
If McKenna and Reid go in that order, the conundrum of selecting Stenberg or OHL centre Caleb Malhotra — arguably the best-available pivot — arises. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound son of Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra had 84 points (29-55) in 67 games this season with Brantford Bulldogs and exploded for 26 playoff points (13-13) in 15 games. With uncertainty at centre in the future of Elias Pettersson, health of Filip Chytil, and unrestricted free agent Teddy Blueger, the Canucks need to add to the prospect pool and support the evolving Braeden Cootes.
Will they wing it or pivot to a centre of great attention? The answer may come on draft day.
