Sharks Land Three Top-21 Picks in 2026 NHL Draft — And Analysts Are Calling It One of the Best Hauls Ever
The San Jose Sharks made history at the 2026 NHL Draft, landing Ivar Stenberg second overall, Keaton Verhoeff ninth, and Ryan Lin 21st — three of ESPN's top 13 prospects in a single round. ESPN gave the class an A++, calling it one of the best first-round hauls ever. With Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Michael Misa already in the pipeline and the most cap space in the league, the Sharks are building something special in San Jose.
Video Transcript
The San Jose Sharks land three top 21 picks in 2026 NHL draft, and analysts are calling it one of the best hauls ever.
The San Jose Sharks just had one of the greatest first rounds in NHL draft history, and that might not even be an exaggeration.
San Jose missed the playoffs last season, barely, then turned around and hit the lottery.
With three first round picks and the best farm system in hockey, GM Mike Grier went to work.
With the second overall pick, the Sharks took Ivar Stenberg, their highest rated prospect and a player some had ranked above Gavin McKenna.
Then Grier traded William Ekland to move up and grab premier right-handed defenseman Keaton Berhoff, ninth overall.
Still not done, San Jose packaged picks to jump from twenty-seven to twenty-one and land Ryan Lin, ending his draft day slide.
Three picks, two of the top six prospects in the class.
ESPN's Rachel Kryzak didn't just give them an A, she gave them an A++, calling it one of the best round one hauls in draft history.
The Athletic agreed, handing out an A grade and calling all three picks future everyday NHL players.
Now, pair that with Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Michael Misa already in the fold, and the most cap space in the league this summer.
Dynasty talk in San Jose, it's not crazy anymore.
