When it comes to Otto Stenberg, the offensive upside is in place. A player who loves to shoot the puck, Stenberg has the potential to be a goal scorer in some team's top six for years to come. A 5-foot-11, 181-pound forward, Stenberg is stocking a strong, which is also good when it comes to projecting the player at the highest pro level.
If he doesn't hit as a top-line scorer, though, Stenberg still has the kind of tenacious game and two-way know-how to contribute on a third line and provide some offensive pop.
Jason Bukala and Sam Cosentino share their insights on Otto Stenberg...
Sam Cosentino on the player: Stenberg had great bookends to his season. It started with a brilliant performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky where, as captain, he finished with nine points in five games, resulting in a silver medal. At the U18 worlds in April, Stenberg once again wore the “C” and put up 16 points in yet another silver medal winning performance.
In between those events with the national team, Stenberg represented a number of different teams, playing locally at the U18 level, but also nationally at the U18 and U20 levels. And then there were the 23 games in the SHL with Frolunda, 14 of which came between February and March, while the rest were spread throughout the season. Needless to say, he rarely played meaningful minutes in those SHL games.
Stenberg is a reliable two-way centre. At points this season there were questions about his ability to produce offence, or more specifically, his ability to finish plays. From a positive perspective, he was in on a number of chances, and likely confidence played a key in his ability to finish. Surely his mindset was challenged, having played for so many different teams. At his best, he looks like a 2C, but a 3C fallback position is more than acceptable as a back-up plan.
Jason Bukala's scouting report: Captain of the U18 Team. Stocky, strong and competes. Plays quick and fast, is always involved and has a noticeable impact every shift. Rips pucks from all angles in the offensive zone.
Quick to space and jumping on 50/50 pucks. Has an elusive ability to escape small areas, spill off checks and extend and make plays. Projects to be a versatile top six NHL forward who could max-out as a top line player in time.
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