The Maple Leafs Swedish players want Stenberg and Leafs fans want McKenna and only one side gets their way
Photo credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images; Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
All the Maple Leafs fans Gavin McKenna but Toronto's heavy Swedish contingent is pushing for Ivar Stenberg, with Oliver Ekman-Larsson leading the charge.
As Toronto secured the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, there was a lot of speculation over who they would choose. Gavin McKenna is the consensus choice though there is a case to be made for Ivar Stenberg given his ability to play against some of the top competition in the world already.
You really can't go wrong but the generational talent and potential that McKenna brings is something that rarely comes along. Fans are pretty much dead set on him joining the team and the more you read about his abilities; the more you're convinced.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson and the Maple Leafs Swedish players may prefer a native prospect
However not everyone is jumping on the McKenna train and unfortunately for fans, the ones who are certainly have a lot more pull in the organization.
Some of the Maple Leafs players are looking forward to potentially seeing what Stenberg has to offer, with veteran defender Oliver Ekman-Larsson admitting he is trying to bring him in:
Yeah, I'm trying to recruit him a little bit.
OEL then went on to gush about Stenberg and his readiness, talking about how impressed he was with his World Juniors performance:
He's a fantastic player. He really showed that at the World Juniors, which I watched, but also here with the national team. He's not here just to be here - he's here because he belongs at this level and wants to contribute.
There's no denying how good Stenberg was in the World Juniors, as he had 10 points in seven games (4 goals, 6 assists) while also adding five points for Sweden's National team in three games (2 goals, 3 assists).
He's a teenager and already playing in the SHL. Not their junior league; the real one. There are former NHL players and some of the top international stars over there and he held his own spectacularly.
You also have to realize Stenberg's defensive game is going to be a huge asset and with Mitch Marner proving that elite two-way play can get you very far - there's certainly an argument.
Is he going to explode for 120 points like McKenna? No, but his game is incredibly well-rounded for an 18-year old, and he's only going to get better.
Toronto has a huge Swedish influence running the show - is the McKenna pick in doubt?
Plus you have to really look at the Swedish influence in Toronto and you start to wonder if perhaps Stenberg is going to get called at #1. Not only do they have pone of the best players in the country on their team in William Nylander, but also have an absolute icon in Mats Sundin now making the big decisions.
Historically, Toronto has favoured Swedish players and we've seen more than our fair share come up through the ranks. Even as late as last season there were five Swedish players who suited up; clearly they like the blue and yellow boys.
What Sundin and company can't do is get too in their own heads. While it would be great to build a Swedish powerhouse with the trio, if you don't pick McKenna then it very well might end up costing you Auston Matthews.
If he's wanting McKenna to be his linemate and one of the only ways he'll stick around then there's already an issue.
Who knows though? Maybe Matthews is looking for someone who is not only offensively gifted but also provides that defence which allows him to focus more on offence - something that Stenberg can offer.
It really does come down to what the captain wants and how the team wants to focus their direction for the next 5, 10, even 15 years.
Fans want McKenna, the Swedes can't wait to get Stenberg.
I guess we'll have to wait until June 26th.
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