What Can We Expect from Otto Stenberg in the Future with the St. Louis Blues?
Like 2023 first-round draft pick Dalibor Dvorsky, Otto Stenberg is expected to excel in the NHL.
Stenberg, drafted 25th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, is a young prospect who turns 19 in late May.
Last week, general manager Doug Armstrong demonstrated his faith in Stenberg by securing him with a 3-year entry-level contract.
What are the expectations for Stenberg?
While it's clear that Stenberg possesses talent, the exact expectations for him remain a mystery. However, given Armstrong's comments about Dvorsky, who he believes has the “best shot” to enter the 2024 season with the Blues, it's safe to say that Stenberg is being evaluated as an emerging prospect.
Stenberg, recently off a silver medal in the 2024 World Junior Championship tournament, has a couple of years of experience in the Swedish Hockey League, albeit in a limited number of games. In the SHL, he played in 54 games, earning nine points.
His experience is centered on his time in the junior system. The Blues spotted something they were impressed with in the junior league, as demonstrated by his high draft ranking.
There is an expectation that Stenberg will further develop in the AHL. Blues fans may see him suit up for training camp and even fight for a position, but realistically, Stenberg would ultimately benefit from high-level play in Springfield.
As a first-round pick, there are high expectations for his future role with the Blues, though most analysts argue his talent still is highly unknown due to his limited play in high-competition leagues.
If there is one player who could benefit from the AHL experience, it is most likely Stenberg.
Scouts rated him relatively high with excellent potential before the 2023 draft, and experts continue to predict that he could be a top-six forward with the Blues in the upcoming years.
Blues fans will anxiously await the development of the 2023 first-round picks, longing for the day these players can make a difference for their beloved team.