Swedish star Stenberg drafted second overall in NHL draft

Swedish ice hockey prodigy Ivar Stenberg has been selected second overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, marking a significant achievement for the 18-year-old.

Stenberg, who is described as a "super talent," expressed his elation at the selection. "I'm super glad. They have good things going on," he stated. He is the fourth Swede in history to be drafted as the second overall pick. Stenberg is coming off a highly successful season, having played for Frölunda and represented Sweden in both the World Junior Championship and the senior World Championship.

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I'm super glad. They have good things going on.

His older brother, Otto Stenberg, who plays for the St. Louis Blues, was also present at the draft. He praised his younger brother, calling him a "really smart player" who will be a good fit for the Sharks. The first overall pick in the draft went to Canadian phenom Gavin McKenna, selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs, with pop star Justin Bieber on hand to announce the selection.

The 2024 NHL draft saw a strong showing from Swedish players, with seven being selected in the first round. This is the highest number of Swedish first-round picks since 2009. Other Swedes drafted in the first round include Viggo Björck (8th overall to Winnipeg), Alexander Command (12th to New Jersey), Malte Gustafsson (13th to New York Islanders), Elton Hermansson (19th to Los Angeles), Jonas Lagerberg Hoen (25th to Ottawa Senators), and Marcus Nordmark (28th to Anaheim Ducks).

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He is a really smart player and will fit well in San Jose.