Stian Solberg

April 2026 — Solberg’s first full AHL season with the San Diego Gulls has confirmed two things: the physicality translates without reservation, and there is more puck skill in his game than his draft profile suggested. Through 53 games he has posted eight goals, six assists, and 82 penalty minutes while skating a significant role alongside veteran Roland McKeown. His reverse hits and blue-line stand-up finishes remain calling cards, and opponents routinely get jumped for retaliating after clean contact (Calgary’s Alex Galant earned a roughing minor for headlocking him in March). Offensively, his shot timing from the point has improved. A multi-goal game against Rockford in February showed his ability to read traffic and use screens, and a cross-ice feed to set up Cal Burke against Calgary demonstrated growing vision in the offensive zone. He has rotated onto the second power play unit and kills penalties regularly. The gaps in his game are still visible: turnovers under pressure (an ugly giveaway against Abbotsford led directly to a goal), occasional lost assignments in coverage, and moments where he stands around without his stick instead of getting to the bench. Rush defense remains the primary developmental item. He angles well on the wall but can be flatfooted when the play changes direction quickly through the neutral zone. None of that changes the trajectory. Anaheim’s blueline pipeline is deep, with Zellweger, Mintyukov, and LaCombe already entrenched, but Solberg profiles as the physical complement the left side needs. A late-season or training-camp NHL audition in 2026-27 is realistic. For fantasy purposes, the hit totals alone make him a target in any league that rewards peripherals, and the eight goals suggest 25-to-35-point upside once he reaches the NHL. — Andrew Epps

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 reassigned to the San Diego Gulls to conclude the 2024-25 season due to conflicts with Färjestad BK regarding 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