It’s come up to that time of year where I’ve seen enough of the upcoming draft class that I’m beginning to understand the players and get excited to talk about them. This year’s class out of the SHL is a pretty fun one, with some standout high-potential players at the top like Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Björck, as well as intriguing depth talent available later in the draft. 

Stay tuned in to the SHL all year long—updates are coming every third Monday of the month. Enjoy! 

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2026 Eligibles – Full-Timers 

Ivar Stenberg (LW/RW, 6-0, 181 lbs) – Frölunda HC (SHL) 

SHL Last 5GP: 2 G + 3 A = 5 Pts | Avg TOI: 14:32 

Stenberg keeps up his torrid pace in the SHL and looks poised to take a run at the record books this season. His current SHL points-per-game (0.79) is second all-time behind Vancouver Canucks legend Daniel Sedin (0.84). It’s safe to say Stenberg is scoring at a historic rate. In terms of his play, Stenberg looks more confident with each game. He wants the puck more, takes more of the play-driving into his own hands, and the speed and pressure of the men’s game still don’t seem to affect him. I’m really excited to see how he continues to progress throughout the season. Stenberg is truly in the running for first overall in my books. 

Malte Gustafsson (D, 6-4, 198 lbs) – HV71 (SHL) 

U20 Nationell Stats: 13GP, 3 G + 6 A = 9 Pts 

Gustafsson is a really fun profile and one of my favorites from this class. He’s a brilliant passer who gets his head up and scans for options constantly. He’s always trying to make good decisions with the puck. In the offensive zone Gustafsson’s vision is phenomenal .He always looks so calm, always plays his game, and never fears to make those high-difficulty passes he’s so good at. Off-puck, Gustafsson is not afraid to play physical. He also uses his stick so well to poke pucks loose or win battles and then uses his range and legs to protect the puck with serious effectiveness. I’d bet good money Gustafsson sees his name on an SHL lineup sheet a few more times this season. 

Morgan Anderberg (LW/C, 5-11, 174 lbs) – Växjö Lakers HC (SHL) 

SHL Stats: 11GP, 0 G + 0 A = 0 Pts 

Anderberg is a good skater with quick strides, fast straight-line speed, and a high motor. There’s thought behind every puck touch, always considering what’s safest or what keeps possession. I need to watch more, but he seems defensively engaged and responsible. Anderberg feels like a player made for pro hockey, just maybe without much upside. In a perfect world, Anderberg could potentially become someone like Mattias Janmark.

Casper Juustovaara Karlsson (C/LW, 5-9, 168 lbs) – Luleå HF (SHL) 

SHL Stats: 20GP, 4 G + 2 A = 6 Pts 

Juustovaara Karlsson is a fast, hard-working forward who can play multiple positions and contribute in a lot of game scenarios on both sides of the puck. Size isn’t on Juustovaara’s side, but he skates hard, forechecks effectively, and makes lightning-quick decisions. There’s not a ton of offensive upside, but he’s got quick hands and good vision for connecting with teammates. He would likely connect well with elite players. Juustovaara reminds me a bit of Michal Svrcek from last year’s draft. He definitely looks like a solid middle-round pick. 

William Håkansson (D, 6-4, 207 lbs) – Luleå HF (SHL) 

SHL Last 5GP: 1 G + 1 A = 2 Pts | Avg TOI: 7:48 

Viggo Björck (C/RW, 5-10, 172 lbs) – Djurgårdens IF (SHL) 

SHL Last 5GP: 1 G + 1 A = 2 Pts | Avg TOI: 11:02 

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Other 2026 Eligibles That Could See SHL Time 

Nils Bartholdsson (RW, 5-10, 174 lbs) – Rögle BK (SHL) 

U20 Nationell Stats: 15GP, 10 G + 8 A = 18 Pts 

Bartholdsson made his SHL debut with Rögle on November 13th, logging just 1:47, but the dynamically skilled winger might be earning more time soon. He is confident and creative with incredibly quick hands, and loves to build speed to challenge defenders 1-on-1. Bartholdsson’s skating is strong and he’s fast, but sometimes it looks like he’s working harder than necessary to generate speed. Combine that with some struggles in physical battles, and it suggests he’s still developing his strength. Still, Bartholdsson is a high-skill prospect who could develop into a middle-six NHL scorer if a lot breaks right. 

Samuel Eriksson (D, 6-4, 194 lbs) – Färjestad BK (SHL) 

U20 Nationell Stats: 16GP, 3 G + 2 A = 5 Pts 

Eriksson is a monster of a hockey player. I refuse to believe he’s only 6-4. Once he fills out, he’s going to be an absolute unit. He uses his size and reach very well, he just seems to cover an absurd amount of space in the defensive zone without a ton of movement. Eriksson plays calm with and without the puck. The execution isn’t always perfect, and he can make some silly passes, but he’s clearly trying to do the right thing and is willing to be patient and take a hit to make a play. A really intriguing player I’ll be keeping an eye on all year. 

Oscar Holmertz (C, 6-0, 192 lbs) – Linköping HC (SHL) 

U20 Nationell Stats: 17GP, 5 G + 12 A = 17 Pts 

Holmertz can be pretty inconsistent and doesn’t play a very pro-ready game, so I doubt he gets much SHL time, if any. That said, I still wanted to highlight him because he’s a really interesting prospect and was dressed for Linköping’s SHL squad on October 16th vs Örebro but didn’t play. Holmertz is loaded with talent, has a quick release, and might have some of the best puck control in the class. The offensive toolkit is high-end, but the skating, strength, and off-puck work ethic need improvement. 

Axel Brøngel-Larsson (D, 6-1, 194 lbs) – Frölunda HC (SHL) 

U20 Nationell Stats: 16GP, 3 G + 6 A = 9 Pts 

Brøngel-Larsson is a two-way defender who does so many of the small things right. His defensive awareness and gap control seem very strong in my first few viewings. He can close off plays before they develop with his anticipation. Brøngel-Larsson also transitions the puck quickly and is a smooth skater with great four-way mobility. Brøngel-Larsson is decisive, and quick-thinking. He’s constantly talking, pointing, and communicating. He seems vocal and a natural leader on the ice, which is always great to see. On my first couple viewings I believe Brøngel-Larsson is in the mix of first-rounders for the 2026 NHL Draft 

Niklas Aaram-Olsen (RW/LW, 6-1, 185 lbs) – Örebro HK (SHL) 

U20 Nationell Stats: 14GP, 10 G + 8 A = 18 Pts 

Max Isaksson (C, 6-0, 176 lbs) – Växjö Lakers HC (SHL) 

U20 Nationell Stats: 14GP, 6 G + 6 A = 12 Pts 

Jonas Lagerberg Hoen (RW, 6-2, 176 lbs) – Leksands IF (SHL) 

U20 Nationell Stats: 9GP, 9 G + 7 A = 16 Pts 

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Thanks for reading! I’m Greysen — a Winnipeg-based scout working with the Olds Grizzlys in the AJHL. 

Always analyzing, always learning. 

Follow my work on Twitter: @goudygreysen