With the 2025-26 regular season beginning in many leagues, the in-season rankings for next year’s NHL draft are beginning to get published as well. The most recent rankings I reviewed are those published by Elite Prospects (which I posted about a few days ago) and The Hockey Writers, attached below. I note that each of these rankings has Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg going 2nd overall.
There are many preseason rankings that, at least for now, have him going anywhere from 3-5. However, based upon what I’ve seen of him last season, as well as at this season’s World Junior Summer Showcase, as we progress through this season my feeling is he’ll take a stranglehold on #2 overall. This is very similar to winger Gavin McKenna being the presumptive #1 overall pick for well over a year. As it doesn’t appear anyone will dethrone McKenna as the top prospect in the next draft, the highest rating still up for grabs is second overall. Stenberg (younger brother of St. Louis prospect Otto Stenberg, who went 25th overall in 2023) fits the bill.
Ivar has 4 points (1G 3A) in 7 games so far this season with Frolunda in Sweden’s top pro league. Otto remains with the Blues at their main camp with an eye toward securing an opening night roster spot.
https://thehockeywriters.com/2026-nhl-draft-baracchinis-rankings-preseason-top-32/