The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed Valtteri Puustinen this week, but will he be able to make the NHL roster out of camp this season? The Pittsburgh Penguins may look towards Sweden's loaded group of draft-eligible prospects in the upcoming draft. With 5 players projected to be taken in the first round, the Pens could be one of several teams that gets in on the talented group. One player who sticks out is Otto Stenberg, a forward with a two-way game and top six potential. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXJnhvEkQEA[/embed] Essentials: 2022-23 Team: Frolunda (SHL & J20 Nationell) Position: Center/ Winger Height and Weight: 5’11, 180 pounds NHL Central Scouting: 6th (among European skaters) Elite Prospects: 36th TSN (Bob McKenzie): 18th 2022-23 Stats: Frolunda (SHL) 23 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3P Frolunda (J20 Nationell): 29 GP, 11 G, 15 A, 26 P International: 19 GP, 17 G, 15 A, 32 P Captain for Swedish team during U18 World Junior Championship Player Breakdown: The Swedish junior team was loaded with first-round talent, and Stenberg is no exception. In fact, he stood out, especially in international play, as an offensive weapon. Stenberg has a ceiling that could reach first line center, but seems to be a future second line center at the moment. He has a hard working attitude that permeates throughout every aspect of his game. Stenberg negates his smaller stature through determination. He’s one of the best at playing along the boards in this year’s draft class, displaying a very heads up style. You want Stenberg to be the first player in on the forecheck, because he has a knack for engaging defenders, picking the puck, and making plays to his teammates. Where Stenberg also excels is with a lethal shot, and he made that abundantly clear during his appearances with the Swedish Junior National Team this past year. While he scored at a respectable but not elite pace in the Swedish’s AHL equivalent, he displayed a different level of scoring on the international stage, and it’s caught the attention of many scouts and organizations. Stenberg scored 17 goals over 19 international appearances, and he did that by putting himself in a scoring position often and utilizing his shooting skills. He added a deadly one-timer to his arsenal as well, and he projects to be a special teams contributor at the NHL level. His offensive game makes it easy to envision Stenberg burying goals in the NHL in the near future. What Needs To Improve: There’s a ton to like about Stenberg’s game. He brings his smart boards play to the defensive zone, and he’s intelligent to always be aware of where he’s needed. He’s blocked some shots and laid some hits, and he’s clearly shown he will be willing to engage in all areas of the ice at the next level. Where teams will need to see more is consistency. He has the toolkit, he’s shown flashes, but he needs to put it all together. When he got his shot in the SHL this past season, he seemed overwhelmed at times and had very little production. As an 18 year-old, it isn’t a sign of panic, but it does highlight the need for him to keep maturing and developing so his game can keep improving. NHL Comparison: Josh Norris NHL ETA: 2026-27 Stenberg needs some time, but whoever drafts him is projecting him to be a second line player with room for more with their organization. A few more seasons in Sweden could be just what he needs before he is a regular contributor at the NHL level. At worst, he will be a player who sees NHL time in a fourth line role. At best, he’s a 60 point player. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! Valtteri Puustinen Could Be a Piece for the Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/valtteri-puustinen-pivotal-peace-pittsburgh-penguins] Joonas Korpisalo Could Be a Perfect Match for Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/joonas-korpisalo-perfect-match-pittsburgh-penguins] Will Kyle Dubas Trade Penguins' First Round Pick for a Goalie? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/kyle-dubas-trade-pittsburgh-penguins-first-round-pick-goalie] Penguins Great Tom Barrasso's Hall of Fame Induction Long Overdue [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-tom-barrasso-hall-fame-long-overdue] Penguins Draft Profiles: Zach Benson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-draft-profiles-zach-benson] * undefined * undefined
