The San Jose Sharks defied the odds once again, jumping from the No. 9 spot to secure the second overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft lottery on May 5.[1] [2] This marks the third consecutive year the franchise has landed a top-two selection, following Macklin Celebrini at No. 1 in 2024 and Michael Misa at No. 2 in 2025. The Sharks also selected Will Smith fourth overall in 2023, building an impressive young core.
General manager Mike Grier now faces a pivotal decision with this high pick. While the team boasts a wealth of young forwards, questions linger about bolstering the defense or trading down for more assets. The lottery win adds excitement to an organization in rebuild mode.
Lottery drama and final order
The NHL draft lottery unfolded with high stakes, as the Toronto Maple Leafs claimed the No. 1 pick after moving up from fifth.[3] San Jose entered with the ninth-best odds but leaped forward in the second draw, drawing numbers 11-4-3-7 to clinch second place.[4] This dramatic shift positions the Sharks ahead of teams like the Vancouver Canucks at No. 3.
Fans erupted in celebration, with official reactions pouring in from the Sharks’ social channels and NHL.com coverage. GM Grier expressed enthusiasm, noting the opportunity to add elite talent. The full draft order revealed other movers, but San Jose’s jump stood out.
The Sharks also hold the Edmonton Oilers’ first-round pick, potentially giving them multiple lottery selections. This windfall stems from prior trades, enhancing their draft capital significantly.
Analysts praised the franchise’s lottery luck, comparing it to rare historical runs not seen in over a decade. The result caps a broadcast filled with tension, broadcast live on ESPN.
As the dust settled, attention turned to draft boards. Early mocks project high-end forwards and defensemen available at No. 2.
Building on recent draft successes
San Jose’s prospect pipeline is already flush with forward talent from recent drafts. Celebrini has emerged as a cornerstone, dazzling in his rookie season. Misa and Smith complement him, forming a potent top-six projection.
The 2023-2025 hauls underscore Grier’s strategy of accumulating high picks. Will Smith, taken fourth, has shown SHL prowess before transitioning to North America. This core addresses long-standing offensive needs.
Yet, depth at other positions remains a concern. Goaltending and blue-line reinforcements could accelerate contention. The No. 2 pick offers flexibility to target best player available or positional need.
Draft history lessons abound. Trading back has worked for some, but San Jose’s track record favors selecting stars. Grier remains open to offers, per recent reports.
The Sharks’ rebuild gains momentum. Youngsters like these could form the backbone for years.
Top prospects in contention at No. 2
Consensus points to Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg as the safest choice, already thriving against men in the SHL with Frolunda.[5] His well-rounded game, skating, and scoring touch make him a plug-and-play option. Scouts highlight his compete level and vision.
Gavin McKenna likely goes No. 1 to Toronto, leaving Stenberg as the top prize. Defensemen like Chase Reid and Keaton Verhoeff offer blue-line upside, addressing San Jose’s thinner prospect pool there.[6]
Other names include Carson Carels, a mobile puck-mover. Here’s a quick prospect rundown:
| Prospect | Position | League | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivar Stenberg | LW | SHL | Scoring, pro-ready |
| Chase Reid | D | WHL | Offensive flair |
| Keaton Verhoeff | D | OHL | Two-way potential |
| Carson Carels | D | USHL | Skating, vision |
Stenberg’s stock remains high, though some debate size concerns for the Sharks’ lineup.
These options align with The Athletic’s analysis, emphasizing the forward glut versus defensive needs.
Organizational needs and strategy
San Jose overflows with young forwards but craves defensive stability. Recent seasons exposed back-end weaknesses, prompting lottery hopes for a top defenseman. Picking a blueliner at No. 2 bucks the forward-heavy board.
Grier prioritizes long-term fits. Stenberg adds immediate offense, but Reid or Verhoeff bolsters the pipeline. Free agency looks thin, with names like John Carlson aging out.
Trades loom large. The Sharks hold extra picks, including Edmonton’s, inviting packages for veterans. Rumors swirl of listening on No. 2 for overpays.
Balancing draft and trade markets defines success. Teams like Chicago at No. 4 eye moves up.
Grier’s comments post-lottery: “It’s exciting for us.” Strategy leans draft-first.
Trade possibilities and rumors
Could San Jose deal the pick? Speculation abounds, with teams coveting Stenberg. Trading down nets more picks or NHL-ready help.[7]
Historical precedents, like 2008 deals, inform caution. Grier fields calls but values elite talent.
Blackhawks or Canucks might pursue upward mobility. Sharks’ leverage peaks now.
Extra assets from Oilers sweeten pots. Bottom-six forwards or prospects could return.
Market dynamics favor sellers. RFA extensions elsewhere fuel activity.
Staying put seems likely, given prospect depth.
Looking toward draft day
The 2026 draft arrives in late June, with Buffalo hosting. San Jose’s war room buzzes with options.
This pick cements the rebuild’s foundation. Whether Stenberg or a defenseman, impact looms.
Fans anticipate stardom, mirroring Celebrini’s rise. Lottery luck positions contenders.
What it means: Another cornerstone accelerates contention, trade or no trade. The Sharks’ future brightens.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.