Stenberg Says Toronto Draft Meetings Didn't Feel Like a Fit Before McKenna Matchup
Ivar Stenberg said his pre-draft meetings with Toronto did not go well and he did not believe the Maple Leafs were the right team for him. The Sharks rookie is set to face Toronto's top 2026 pick, Gavin McKenna, for the first time Monday. McKenna said he views the game as Toronto versus San Jose rather than a personal matchup.
Stenberg told reporters his Toronto interviews before the 2026 draft went poorly and he sensed the club preferred someone else. He accepted that outcome and expressed happiness about landing in San Jose. That preferred player was Gavin McKenna, setting up Monday’s first NHL meeting between the rookies in Toronto.
McKenna described the game as Toronto against San Jose rather than a personal duel. Stenberg has two goals and four assists through eight games, while McKenna has five points in nine contests. The Maple Leafs enter 3-4-2 after three consecutive defeats; San Jose is 4-3-1. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky downplayed any extra significance for Stenberg, citing his composure.
This matchup may resonate with hockey fans and young players who follow draft stories, as it highlights how pre-draft evaluations can shape careers and rivalries. The attention could add pressure on Stenberg and McKenna, while also giving San Jose and Toronto supporters a fresh storyline. Media coverage may frame it as a personal test, though both players and coaches have tried to keep focus on team results.