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Sharks Jump to No. 2 Draft Spot, Eye Defender Trade

5/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The San Jose Sharks moved up seven spots to the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after being slated ninth.
This is the Sharks’ fourth top-five selection in as many years.
Scouts rank Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg as the second-best player and a leading No. 2 candidate.
General manager Mike Grier said the club could trade the No. 2 pick for an impact defender like Dougie Hamilton.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, the Buffalo Sabres, coming off a league-worst season, traded up to the No. 2 spot of the NHL Entry Draft and selected center Jack Eichel. That move continued a pattern where teams sacrifice multiple early picks to acquire a generational talent, a strategy that still shapes league discussions about draft equity.

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Story summary

The San Jose Sharks moved up seven spots to the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after being slated ninth.
This is the Sharks’ fourth top-five selection in as many years.
Scouts rank Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg as the second-best player and a leading No. 2 candidate.
General manager Mike Grier said the club could trade the No. 2 pick for an impact defender like Dougie Hamilton.

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