Scott Wheeler Predicts Sharks Will Select Stenberg at No. 2, Discusses Carels’ Potential

Scott Wheeler recently joined the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast to delve into the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, sharing insights on potential picks for the San Jose Sharks. He was accompanied by Joshua Ravensbergen, who discussed his teammate Carson Carels, a candidate for the Sharks' second overall selection.

Wheeler expressed a strong inclination that the Sharks will choose Ivar Stenberg with their second pick, stating he has a “hunch” about this decision. He also reflected on last year’s comparisons between Michael Misa and Anton Frondell, emphasizing that if Stenberg is selected, it may influence the Sharks’ approach to their surplus of forwards in trades for defensive players.

As the conversation progressed, Wheeler evaluated whether Chase Reid and Carels have distinguished themselves as top defensemen in the draft. He noted ongoing debates with fellow draft expert Corey Pronman regarding Reid’s value compared to Stenberg, and placed Reid alongside other notable recent defense picks.

Wheeler also examined the Sharks' options at the 20th pick, recently favoring defenseman Tommy Bleyl in his latest mock draft. He discussed the trends under GM Mike Grier and which prospects might make an immediate impact on the main roster next season.

In addition to draft strategies, the podcast touched on the Sharks’ potential interest in trading for established defensemen like Darnell Nurse or Morgan Rielly. The discussion also included insights on the Sharks' future direction by learning from the success of Stanley Cup finalists, the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes.