San Jose Sharks assess left wing options for upcoming season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 12:44 AM
Last updated Jul 16, 2026
As the San Jose Sharks prepare for the 2026-27 NHL season, the competition for the left wing position on the first line is heating up. Candidates include Ivar Stenberg, who shined in the Swedish Hockey League, Igor Chernyshov, who had success paired with Macklin Celebrini, and Collin Graf, an unsigned restricted free agent with a strong previous season. The Sharks face a challenging decision due to a surplus of forwards under contract. The coaching staff's cautious approach with young players may impact Stenberg's immediate role, while Chernyshov might not secure a spot on the roster despite his performance last season. Graf's situation is complicated by the roster's financial commitments and his need for a designated role.
- •San Jose Sharks evaluate candidates for first line left wing spot.
- •Ivar Stenberg had a stellar season in the Swedish Hockey League.
- •Igor Chernyshov performed well paired with Macklin Celebrini.
- •Collin Graf is an unsigned restricted free agent entering the season.
- •Coaching staff may opt for a cautious approach with young players.
- 12:44 AMYahoo Sports — Sharks Position Battles: LW1
"While Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith were stalwarts on the San Jose Sharks' top line during the 2025-26 season, the left wing spot rotated fairly regularly. Heading into the 2026-27 season, there are a number of options who could compete for the final spot on the first line.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NHL•Jul 15, 2026, 6:01 PMFlorida Panthers, NHL expand to 84 games, open vs. Stanley Cup champs
- NHL•Jul 15, 2026, 5:52 AMMacklin Celebrini Reacts to Leo Carlsson’s Massive New Contract
- IIHF•Jul 14, 2026, 3:27 PMNHL 27 cover athlete: Sharks C Macklin Celebrini becomes youngest player featured
- NHL•Jul 13, 2026, 10:10 PMRed Wings' John Leonard Faces Pivotal Contract Year After Standout Season
- NHL•Jul 13, 2026, 4:34 AMWennberg Talks Stenberg, New Sharks, Recovery Secrets | Development Camp Standouts!
- NHL•Jul 12, 2026, 11:29 PMA Number of Former Sharks Still Remain Free Agents
