2023 NHL Draft: Otto Stenberg’s Potential On Display at the U-18 Worlds

Team Sweden captain Otto Stenberg is thriving at the World Men's Under-18s, giving scouts lots to praise ahead of the 2023 NHL draft.

One of the 2023 NHL draft class’ most interesting players is Swedish forward Otto Stenberg, who’s been as divisive as any for scouts and evaluators.

Stenberg’s been putting on a show with Team Sweden at the World Men’s Under-18s, leading the squad in scoring while wearing the ‘C’ on his chest.

“It’s really fun and an honor to be named captain,” Stenberg told The Hockey News with a big smile.

The U-18s aren’t the first time the young Swede has held the captaincy for his nation. He was in the same role at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer, leading the squad to a silver medal. Stenberg tied for second in tournament scoring with nine points in five games, showcasing the electric nature in which he can take over games.

Stenberg can shine internationally thanks to his development in the Frolunda system in Sweden. He’s had stints in the J18, J20 and SHL levels this year to varying degrees of success.

Stenberg predictably dominated the J18 level, played well but didn’t take over at the J20 level, and then had some of the most complete games of his season despite only recording three points in 23 games at the top men’s level.

“I’ve been playing against bigger and faster players in the SHL, so that’s something I have tried to take into this tournament,” Stenberg said about what has made him successful at the U-18s.

Stenberg possesses all the tools you would want in a draft prospect. He is an excellent skater with the elusiveness to create space for himself. Stenberg is a willing and lethal shooter with a wicked snap shot and great hands to finish in tight. His playmaking is inconsistent, but he has flashed some pretty passing ability.

His motor and willingness to play a sound two-way game have improved over the year. Playing against men, he’s learned to play stronger on the puck, win board battles with positioning and skill, and use his skating to his advantage. It’s come down to Stenberg simply processing the game faster than he could at the start of the season.

The Swedish captain’s played at a different speed physically and mentally than most players at this tournament as a result. Along with Axel Sandin Pellikka, Stenberg has been among the squad’s best players.

He’s put defenders on their heels in the neutral zone before cutting across their faces when entering the offensive zone. He even made the Canadians look second-rate in the opening game. His blend of snarl and offensive creativity has intrigued everyone who has watched the Swedes thus far.

However, Stenberg isn’t afraid to give credit to the rest of the team, shying away from taking too much credit.

“We have a really good group,” Stenberg said. “We are all great friends and just have fun together on the ice. We have great goalies – our ‘D’ and forwards have all played really good as well.”

Stenberg’s performance at the U-18 World Championship will only boost his draft stock. He’s shown up repeatedly on the big stage over the past year, playing at more than a point-per-game pace in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Five Nations tournaments and the U-18s.

With first place in the group stages wrapped up after a dominating round-robin, Stenberg is set on capturing a fifth straight medal and third gold in the last four years. The Swedes have won their final game of the tournament in each of those years, winning either the gold or bronze medal game.

The Swedes have routinely been one of the best U-18 squads in the world, and Stenberg doesn’t want to let the medal streak end on his watch.