The St. Louis Blues training camp opened on Thursday with much anticipation after a pleasantly surprising season in 2024-25. The Blues defied the odds and made the postseason after riding a prolonged winning streak during the second half of the season.
Expectations are higher this season as the club looks to ice a contending lineup. That lineup will depend on the influx of young talent coming up through the system. One of the names that has gained momentum heading into camp is Otto Stenberg.
Stenberg was a Blues’ first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. His superior ability made him an attractive option for St. Louis despite not having a hulking size.
Last season, he put up somewhat subpar numbers in the Swedish league, scoring three goals and six points in 25 games. But it was his performance in Springfield that really put him on the map. In 38 games, he scored five goals and 17 points. Those numbers were hardly bad for a 20-year-old just arriving in North America.
This season, Stenberg will have an opportunity to prove he belongs in the NHL. He’s a center by trade, but could also play on the wing. That versatility will be important as the club needs as many options as possible to compete throughout this grinding season.
His performance at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase this past weekend provided a glimpse of what he could do. Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic described Stenberg as:
“Stenberg illustrated why he shouldn’t be a forgotten man among the five first-rounders the team has added in the past three years. The 20-year-old, who left Sweden for the AHL last season, led all Blues prospects with three points (one goal, two assists), including an assist on Carbonneau’s game-winner in a 6-4 win over Minnesota. He made quick plays around the net, and if not for a couple of dandy saves, he could have been on the scoreboard more.”
Those are certainly encouraging words from a player who comes with a relatively limited offensive ceiling. As it stands, Stenberg projects as a good third-line center. But if he can continue building on his skills, his overall performance could push some veterans for a full-time role.
Blues could use Stenberg in bottom-six role this season
The St. Louis Blues’ bottom six doesn’t seem set in stone. According to Daily Faceoff, the third line could feature Pius Suter at center with Jake Neighbours and Nick Bjugstad on the wings. That’s a good, if unspectacular, line.
Meanwhile, the fourth line shows Oskar Sundqvist with Alexey Toropchenko and Mathieu Joseph. Here’s where Stenberg could push himself into a role. Now, bringing Stenberg in as a fourth-line center playing under 10 minutes a night would be a waste.
But he could push Toropchenko or Sundqvist out of the lineup. Stenberg could even push Bjugstad down to the fourth line and earn himself a role on the third line. The point here is that Stenberg gives the Blues options. Jim Montgomery could move pieces around, helping balance the overall bottom-six group.
While suggesting that Stenberg could find his way into the top six may be somewhat overstated, the fact is that there could be a spot for him down the line.
Stenberg’s likeliest destination this season is one more season in the AHL. He’ll need regular playing minutes and will get them there. But don’t be surprised if he’s among the first call-ups in case of inconsistency and injuries.
He may start the season in the AHL, but Stenberg won’t be there for long.