- Sharks’ three 2026 first-round picks all skated at development camp in San Jose
- No. 2 pick Ivar Stenberg scored in the prospect scrimmage after signing his entry-level deal
- Read below for Mike Grier on Keaton Verhoeff and the 7-foot-1 prospect who stole the show
The Sharks got their first real look at the future this week, and the kids showed up.
San Jose brought all three of its 2026 first-round picks to development camp at Tech CU Arena. Ivar Stenberg, Keaton Verhoeff and Ryan Lin all took the ice, and the group gave fans plenty to like.
Here’s the trio’s first camp together:
Stenberg set the tone. The No. 2 pick capped his three days with a goal in the July 2 prospect scrimmage, the same afternoon he signed his three-year entry-level contract.
Watch Stenberg make it official:
The Swedish forward talked about his first taste of the organization.
“It’s been amazing. Meeting new guys and being here for the first time, it’s been amazing.”
Verhoeff is more of a slow burn. The No. 9 pick is heading back to the University of North Dakota for his sophomore year, and San Jose plans to bring the defenseman along carefully.
General manager Mike Grier was asked how Verhoeff looked over the three days.
“He’s looked good. He’s got a great personality. On the ice, he’s been pretty smooth. His puck movement, how clean he is on the retrieval work, and things like that have been great. His shot stands out, too.”
Lin, the No. 21 pick, is off to the University of Denver, which just won the national title. He put up 57 points in 53 games for Vancouver of the WHL last season and could walk into a big role right away.
Take a look at the final day of camp:
The camp’s biggest talker, literally, was Alexander Karmanov. The seventh-round pick stands 7-foot-1 and 272 pounds, making him the tallest player ever drafted into the NHL.
There’s a contender’s worth of young talent stacking up in San Jose. Stenberg looks the closest to helping right now.
