Stian Solberg

June 2025 – If you’re checking in to see if Solberg still toes the line between assault and legal hockey checks, you’ll be happy to know that nobody who comes near gets away unpunished. Completing a season with Färjestad in the SHL, He made strides in his defensive game, particularly in his gap control and angle management. Solberg is leveraging his above-average skating more effectively to close space and disrupt. An underrated aspect of his game is his offensive ability, which was somewhat overlooked during the draft process. A forward who converted to defenseman when he was 14, Solberg isn’t an offensive catalyst, but he does have better instincts and puck skills than your average shutdown defender. He was moved to the San Diego Gulls to end the 2024-25 season due to conflicts with Färjestad BK about his ice time. Only managing to catch the last ten games with the Gulls, Solberg put up two goals and three assists while still delivering the crushing checks and defensive abilities he’s known for. He also made international headlines after scoring a hat trick against the United States at the World Championship, forcing overtime and nearly leading Norway to a massive upset. Given the situation with Färjestad BK, it’s likely Solberg will remain with the Gulls next season, where he should see significant minutes and opportunities to work on his transition and offensive game. While he may get a brief NHL look in 2025–26, a full-time roster push is probable for 2026–27. For fantasy managers in leagues that reward hits, Solberg is probably already on your radar. But if he’s not, he should be. He has the potential to deliver elite physical numbers with more offensive upside than his reputation suggests. Any league that values hits with peripheral scoring should take a good look at Solberg. – Markus R

June 2024 – Solberg was drafted 23rd overall by the Ducks. Pat Quinn

February 2024 – Solberg flew onto our radar at the World Juniors, where he logged massive minutes for Norway. His defensive aggression has stood out consistently in our viewings. The Norwegian blue-liner enjoys playing a violent style of hockey, which incentivizes opposing forwards to avoid his side of the ice on the rush. His on-puck decision-making has left room for refinement, but his flashes of offensive dare and shooting skill leave room for optimism that he can develop into an impactful two-way defenseman. While his physicality, defensive aggression, and upside as a rush defender stand out as key strengths, his massive role at the WJC gave him space to show off his ability to be both an offensive transition driver and a real goal-scoring threat. While the vast amounts of time and space in Norwegian pro hockey limit his ability to flash NHL-style offensive plays, we’ve seen enough of his tools, instincts, and defensive habits to justify a top 55 ranking. Sebastian High