It’s that time of the year for The Win Column’s NHL Draft Rankings and Draft Profiles! Earlier on, we released the TWC consolidated 2026 NHL Draft rankings. The 2026 NHL Draft will take place on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo
Up first is Ivar Stenberg. The 18-year-old Swedish forward has been fighting for the spot of first overall all season. We have Stenberg ranked first on our consolidated rankings, as the crafty forward is very likely to blossom into an NHL star with whatever team is lucky enough to draft him.
Who is Ivar Stenberg?
| Player | Position | Handedness | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivar Stenberg | LW/RW | L | 6’0” | 181 LBS |
Stenberg was born in Stenungsund, Sweden, and is expected to be a top-three pick in this year’s NHL Draft. Stenberg rose up the ranks throughout minor hockey until he eventually got his shot in the SHL, the highest professional hockey league in Sweden. In his first full season in the SHL, Stenberg’s production has impressed many scouts as he cements himself as one of the most productive forwards in the SHL regarding players in their draft year.
Stenberg’s on-ice production
| Year | Draft Relative | League | Team | GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | D-2 | U16 Reigion | Frolunda HC U16 | 12 | 9 | 23 | 32 |
| 2023-24 | D-1 | J18 Region | Frolunda HC J18 | 18 | 5 | 27 | 32 |
| J18 Nationell | Frolunda HC J18 | 13 | 18 | 12 | 30 | ||
| 2024-25 | D+0 | J20 Nationell | Frolunda HC J20 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 53 |
| SHL | Frolunda HC | 25 | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| 2025-26 | Draft year | SHL | Frolunda HC | 43 | 11 | 22 | 33 |
| WJC-20 | Sweden U20 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
In his first full season of professional Swedish hockey, Stenberg hasn’t disappointed. His 33 points in 43 games as an 18-year-old are impressive enough, and his 10 points at the World Junior Championships only back up what scouts are saying about his elite skillset and quick development.
Stenberg’s strengths
Playmaking ability
Stenberg is an elite playmaker whose vision and execution allow him to create great danger scoring chances. He’s great at passing through layers of coverage, often identifying open areas of the ice that defenders miss. Stenberg’s ability to disguise his intentions is also impressive, as he can look off defenders or delay just long enough to open passing lanes before delivering accurate passes.
Stenberg is also effective both off the rush and in set offensive situations, where he can operate from the half wall or below the goal line to facilitate plays. His touch on the puck allows him to make difficult passes quickly and in stride. Additionally, Stenberg also shows strong timing when supporting teammates, positioning himself in areas where he can distribute the puck quickly and effectively. His combination of vision, deception and execution enables him to be a major offensive catalyst.
Offensive versatility
Another one of Stenberg’s biggest strengths is his ability to produce offence in multiple ways, making him adaptable to different systems and roles. He is effective in transition, where he can carry the puck with control in order to distribute it effectively. In sustained offensive pressure, Stenberg shows the ability to cycle, support and create offensive chances from various areas of the ice.
He is also quite strong on the power play, as he’s especially dangerous, as his vision and puck control allow him to dictate plays and create scoring chances. Stenberg finishes plays when given the opportunity, using his strong release and scoring touch. This versatility ensures that he can impact the game regardless of his deployment or suitability.
Compete level and effort
Adding on to these strengths is Stenberg’s consistent and strong work ethic. He can be seen constantly being engaged in puck battles, supporting plays and showing defensive awareness. While he’s not the most physical, Stenberg does not shy away from contact and competes for possession in contested areas of the ice. His stamina and motor skills also allow him to stay involved throughout shifts, contributing to both aspects of the game. This level of engagement is encouraging to see from a player like Stenberg, who is already showing this level of competitiveness at such a young age.
Stenberg’s areas of improvement
Defensive consistency
Defensively, while Stenberg does show strong engagement, his consistency is still developing. He understands positioning and can provide effective puck support, but there are moments when his energy level drops or his execution isn’t as sharp. As he continues to adjust to professional levels, redefining his defensive habits and maintaining consistent effort will be important. With his hockey IQ, Stenberg has strong potential to become a reliable two-way player.
Physical strength and explosiveness
Stenberg has a solid frame, but improvements in his physical strength to handle the demands of the NHL need to be addressed. At times, Stenberg can lose possession of the puck, especially in physical areas of the ice such as along the boards or in front of the net. Adding muscle and more work in the gym is bound to help address this.
Scouts have also stated that Stenberg can work on his explosiveness and acceleration when skating. His speed is solid, but there’s always room for improvement, especially if he wants to translate his game effectively at the NHL level to match the league’s faster pace.
Stenberg’s comparables
One NHL comparable for Stenberg is Mitch Marner. Like Marner, Stenberg relies on high hockey IQ, deception and vision to drive offence, often manipulating defenders and creating passing lanes rather than overpowering opponents. Stenberg, however, may project as slightly more physically sturdy.
Another comparable is William Nylander, particularly in how Stenberg controls pace and uses his skills in transition. Nylander’s ability to slow the game down, maintain possession and coordinate offensive plays with precision mirrors Stenberg’s abilities and potential.
Fit with the Flames
Stenberg can be that elite player the Calgary Flames absolutely need. If the team manages to get a top-three pick, Stenberg needs to be on their radar. He’d be a franchise-altering player that would fit in perfectly among the Flames’ other young players. For a team that is begging for elite talent, Stenberg’s skill and projections fit the Flames’ criteria for an elite, game-changing forward perfectly.
Summary
Overall, Stenberg projects as a top-line NHL winger with elite offensive upside. His combination of hockey IQ, elite skill and strong production against professional competition makes him a strong candidate to be selected first overall. He has the potential to develop into a franchise-calibre forward capable of being a core piece of whatever team he goes to.
Risk: 1/5
Reward: 5/5
Projection: Top-line NHL winger