The NHL Scouting Combine wrapped up on June 6, but the biggest story to emerge isn’t about a record-breaking bench press or a blazing 40-yard dash. It’s about who didn’t show up for the fitness gauntlet — and why.
Ivar Stenberg, widely regarded as the top international prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft and a serious contender for the No. 1 overall pick, was unexpectedly absent from the Combine’s physical testing. Fans and analysts were left scratching their heads. Was it a strategic move? A silent protest? A contract leverage play?
According to a report from Marcus Antonelli of Pro Hockey Rumors, the truth is far less sinister — but arguably more dramatic. Sources close to the player say Stenberg has been battling illness ever since the IIHF World Championship, where he posted a solid four goals and four assists in eight games. That sickness, insiders claim, was serious enough to sideline him from the grind of testing.
“If I would be feeling good, not too sick, I would do it. So, not happy about it, but it is what it is,” Stenberg told reporters, according to multiple accounts. The tone suggests this wasn’t a tactical decision, but a frustrating concession to illness at the worst possible time.
One NHL scout, speaking on condition of anonymity, told us: “You never want to see a top prospect miss the combine testing — especially with so much on the line. But if he’s genuinely sick, it’s a non-issue. The tape doesn’t lie. Still, it’s a missed opportunity to cement his spot at the very top.”
The timing couldn’t be worse. Stenberg is locked in a fierce battle with fellow phenom Gavin McKenna for the honor of being the first name called on draft night. Every edge matters, and missing the Combine’s athletic evaluations gives McKenna — and others — a chance to close the gap.
But here’s where the story gets even more intriguing. Despite his illness, Stenberg reportedly conducted interviews with 14 different teams while at the Combine. One insider described those meetings as “intense” and “high-stakes,” with scouts zeroing in on his recovery timeline and off-ice maturity. “Teams want to know if he’s tough enough to play through adversity,” the source added. “Missing the testing wasn’t ideal, but his answers in the room could make or break his draft stock.”
Stenberg is expected to attend Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights — a showcase event for top prospects. He’ll be joined by fellow draft hopefuls Chase Reid, Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff, Caleb Malhorta, and Alberts Smits. For Stenberg, it’s a chance to be seen — and to prove he’s still the alpha in this class.
His regular-season resume is almost absurd. Playing in the Swedish Hockey League, Stenberg notched 33 points in 43 games — the fifth-highest total in SHL history for a player 18 or younger. The only names ahead of him? Daniel Sedin, Markus Naslund, Tomas Sandstrom, and Henrik Sedin. That’s not just good company — that’s Hall of Fame company.
“He’s a special talent,” another league insider told us. “One bad combine weekend doesn’t change that. But if he doesn’t bounce back fast, the whispers will start. The McKenna camp is already buzzing.”
The NHL Draft’s first round is scheduled for June 26, with rounds two through seven taking place on June 27. With Stenberg reportedly healthy again and participating in team interviews, all eyes will be on whether his illness — or the perception of it — allows another prospect to leapfrog him in the final rankings.
One thing’s for certain: this story is far from over. And come draft night, Stenberg’s absence from the combine tests could become the footnote that defines his path to the NHL — or the hurdle he clears on the way to becoming a superstar.
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