Otto Stenberg

Skating:

Stenberg is a good skater with a smooth stride. It isn't a concern for his future in the NHL.

Passing/Handling:

He has good puckhandling skills with good touch. He is a good passer who often facilitates the breakout by passing it to one of the other forwards that is skating up ice with speed. One the power play, he will sometimes man the point and distribute the puck.

Shooting:

Stenberg has a good shot. He can score via slap shots from the left faceoff dot or by going to the next for tip or shots in close.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Otto has pretty good hockey sense. He stays calm. Sometimes he holds onto the puck too often but usually anticipates well and passes it at a good time.

Forechecking:

He is often the third forward into the zone and will try to get into a good position for a shot but he will also support the forecheck and can be effective on board battles.

Defense:

Stenberg is good on defense. He is often the first forward back on defense and will get deep in the defensive zone.

Best Asset:

Probably either his shot or his compete. His shot isn't at the same level as some other Blues prospects but it's pretty good.

Biggest Concern:

That his overall game isn't enough to get him to the NHL and be successful. It's possible he is more of a tweener or his scoring doesn't translate to the NHL.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

2nd line

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

If his overall skillset comes together well enough, he can be a depth scorer who also contributes on the 2nd power play.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

3rd line

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Stenberg's overall skillset is solid but in the end, his offense may be lacking.

Stylistic Comparable:

Mikael Backlund seems like a pretty good comparable.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Stenberg was drafted as a center but played this season on the wing. His future in the NHL may be as a wing. He played some in the SHL and didn't get a lot of ice time in some games. He did well in the WJC and didn't look out of place in the Allsvenkan. He seems likely to get another year of seasoning in Sweden. He played this whole season as an 18 year old which perhaps means he still has more of a runway.