NHL Trades and Rumors
Ivar Stenberg is Making Life Harder for the Maple Leafs
Is Ivar Stenberg closing the gap on Gavin McKenna for first overall in the upcoming NHL Draft?
The majority of Maple Leafs fans and the hockey world in general believe Toronto should and will take Gavin McKenna with the first-overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft.
That being said, it’s no sure thing, and one of the few other prospects who has a chance to knock him off the mantle as the top prospect in this class, Ivar Stenberg, has been making quite the case for himself while playing for Sweden at the World Hockey Championships over the past few weeks.
This beautiful goal against Slovakia on Tuesday was the cherry on top of what’s been a tremendous tournament so far for the youngster.
To make matters even more interesting, Stenberg scored that goal with new Maple Leafs executive advisor and fellow Swede Mats Sundin in attendance. So, how difficult is he making life for GM John Chayka and Sundin with this performance? TSN analyst Mike Johnson gave his thoughts on OverDrive.
“He (Sundin) took in the Swedish game where Ivar Stenberg scored a ridiculous highlight-reel goal. Doesn’t mean anything, but he was there watching.
I think Stenberg next year will be more prepared and capable to play in the NHL than Gavin McKenna. I think physically, he’s just a bit stronger. When you say better player, it’s tricky to say. McKenna will, I think, be the better offensive producer. How much are you going to value someone who maybe isn’t quite as productive but is more defensively reliable? I don’t know. But he’s been really good in this tournament, a tournament full of grown men professionals, and he’s been one of Sweden’s best players,”
The 18-year-old Stenberg has tallied eight points (four goals, four assists) through his first seven games played at the tournament. This comes after a 33-point (11 goals, 22 assists) 2025-26 season in 43 games for Frolunda HC in the SweHL.
As good as Stenberg has been, McKenna still feels like the leader in the clubhouse, especially given the Maple Leafs’ wants and needs.
However, beyond that, Stenberg shouldn’t have to wait long at all to hear his name called in June, and whoever does land him will be absolutely thrilled with the type of talent that fell into their lap.
Next: Report Suggests the Panthers Are Trying to Acquire Brady Tkachuk
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