Sharks Draft Defense: Who They Target

San Jose Sharks enter the 2026 draft with three first-round picks and a desperate need for defensemen—only two signed blueliners and a few restricted free agents looming. With elite young D-men like Ivar Stenberg locked in at No. 2 and Daxon Rudolph a top target at No. 9 (though availability is uncertain), the Sharks may pivot to Keaton Verhoeff if Rudolph slips. Reid, Carels, and Smits are projected as the top three prospects, leaving the Sharks hoping Rudolph or Verhoeff fall to them—or else they’ll need a team to take center Viggo Bjorck before the top eight. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/beb67eef71d78b4c