San Jose Sharks
· 2026-07-05
The San Jose Sharks, currently 11th in the Western Conference with a 39-35 record, are preparing for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
The Sharks have the second overall pick and are considering several top prospects.
They met with six attendees at the Draft Combine, publicly revealing four of them.
Ivar Stenberg, a Swedish forward, is a top contender, ranked first or second on big boards throughout the draft process.
San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier tends to take the best player available when he drafts high.
Chase Reid, an American defenseman, is widely seen as the best defenseman in this year's class.
He offers tremendous offensive skill from the blue line, whether as a puck carrier, passer, or shooter.
The Sharks need defensemen who can initiate their offense, and adding Reid might be the next step in making them a fully-rounded team.
Keaton Verhoeff, a Canadian defenseman, has declined slightly but is still very highly regarded.
He fits the Sharks' desire for big defensemen, with a frame at 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds.
The Sharks will continue to evaluate the prospects and make their decision at the draft.
Carson Carels, a Canadian blueliner, has gradually moved into the upper echelon, with excellent skating and passing abilities.
The Sharks expect to be a playoff team soon, but they have to put a better defense in front of their goaltenders to do so.
And with the draft less than a month away, the San Jose Sharks are getting ready to make their move.
But the team still has plenty of work to do to improve their offense.
So the Sharks will take a close look at each prospect's skills and fit with the team.
The Sharks won just two games where Macklin Celebrini went pointless, highlighting their need for consistent offense.