The most complete player in the draft, Ivar Stenberg, has forced his way into the discussion for first overall. His season in Frolunda has almost been underrated. 

Stenberg put together one of the most productive seasons ever in the Swedish League for a draft-eligible player, with only Daniel and Henrik Sedin eclipsing what he did. Stenberg showcased his talents against men all season long. That continued when he was on the top line for Sweden at the World Championship, putting up four goals and eight points in as many games against teams with plenty of NHL talent. 

Stenberg is an incredibly competitive player who understands the nuances of winning battles against bigger and stronger players. He's always looking to gain advantages through taking better routes or angling to the puck more effectively. Stenberg is also an elite transition player who can carve through the neutral zone with the puck, and he uses his teammates when needed. He's excellent defensively in transition as well, consistently making reads to break up passes or pressure opposing puck carriers into inopportune dump-ins. 

Offensively, the Swede is an incredible generator of chances for teammates, consistently finding them in the middle of the ice. Stenberg is a very good shooter as well, even following up his own shots and hunting down rebounds. On the cycle, Stenberg does a very good job of rotating through and getting to the open ice. He's a puck hound when the puck gets turned over, applying pressure as soon as possible to ensure the opposing breakout isn't given many free passes. 

Stenberg may not have the 100-point potential that McKenna has, but he has the chance to be a much more well-rounded player, impact the game even when things get tight and still put up 85-plus points. 

All season long, I've believed that Stenberg is the No. 1 prospect, and I still believe that he is more than deserving of being drafted first overall.

thehockeynews.comWeighing The Toronto Maple Leafs' Draft Options Between Gavin McKenna And Ivar StenbergThe Toronto Maple Leafs must weigh the pros and cons of drafting Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg first overall. They each have the edge in different areas.

There isn't a center in the draft class who is as complete and well-rounded as Viggo Bjorck. His motor, intelligence and skill are all near the top of the class. He was often Djurgarden's No. 1 center down the stretch this season, playing smart two-way hockey against men twice his age in some cases. He's also the same player who set the scoring record at the junior level in Sweden at 16. Bjorck can being a force at both ends of the ice. 

Bjorck may not go this high on draft day as teams may opt to go with a center with a bit more size, but on pure talent alone, there isn't a center who eclipses Bjorck's ability. If he were closer to six-foot, Bjorck very well might have been the top player in the class as a whole. Bjorck is going to be one of the most interesting names in the 2026 draft, not only when he's selected but also for the next decade as we watch the careers of this group start to flourish. 

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