First-round pick (25th overall) in 2023 also on right trajectory to career in NHL, perhaps not receiving as much attention as fellow prospects Dalibor Dvorsky, Jimmy Snuggerud, Theo Lindstein
MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Admittedly, St. Louis Blues fans will say they've paid extra attention to prospects Dalibor Dvorsky, Jimmy Snuggerud Theo Lindstein, and currently Zack Bolduc and Zach Dean, among others.
These prospects are carving their own paths, writing their own stories on how to make it to the NHL through strong, improved play to having long, sustained careers.
There's been plenty of attention -- and rightfully so -- given to them.
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Otto Stenberg isn't seeking out attention purposefully. The 25th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft will let his body of work do the talking for the forward.
The 19-year-old, who toiled for Frölunda HC for a second straight season of the Swedish Hockey League last season while also fueling Sweden's World Junior Championship squad to a silver medal, was at development camp for the Blues last week a more well-rounded player, one with another year's worth of experience.
"I have a little bit more confidence coming here for a second year," Stenberg said. "You know some more guys and you know the staff and everything. It's much easier to come here this year. You just are focusing on playing hockey and learn a lot of new things. That (was) my goal for these three days."
Stenberg's not going to jump off the charts with all the eye-popping highlights.Sure there will be some, but Stenberg will bring the blue-collar, lunch pail to the office. Sure, the size (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) doesn't reek power forward-type material, but getting that experience playing in a man's league in the SHL (31 games; three goals, three assists) helps give Stenberg a leg up.
Think Jake Neighbours, the go-to-the-net, play in the slot area, digging for pucks in the corners, grinding away for loose pucks kind of player.
"I don't know. A lot of the guys here are pretty strong," Stenberg said. "I think we're all at the same spot, but I learned a lot last year to play against bigger players. You have to be smart and you have to think a lot more when you play with men than if you play with juniors. I think that's one thing I've learned a lot last year.
"I think I've improved almost everything. I think I'm getting more and more comfortable playing against men. It's a different sport playing in juniors than playing in SHL. I think I'm a all-around better player today than I was last year. I think that's the biggest thing."
Stenberg's play garnered enough attention to earn a spot on the World Junior squad and he helped Sweden with plenty of net front presence, producing nine points (five goals, four assists) and a plus-seven in seven games before falling to fellow Blues prospect Jimmy Snuggerud and USA in the gold medal game on home soil. The previous year, Stenberg represented the U18 squad and had 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) and was a plus-13 in seven games.
"I played in Frölunda before world juniors and Frölunda as always, packed team and they have a lot of good players," Stenberg said. "It was hard to get that ice time that I wanted to. When I came to World Juniors, I felt like I can play on the first line and produce points and play power play. That was really good for me and I felt like I got a lot of confidence after that tournament. I felt like I'm getting better and better whether I'm playing first line or fourth line. It was good for me and it was super-special to play at home. Gothenburg is home for me. It was really cool.
"It was great. The crowds were great and all the support I got from family and friends, everybody, it was great. Something I'm going to remember for the rest of my life. Of course it was tough, but USA had a really good team. Of course you always want to win. Sometimes it doesn't happen."
Stenberg was another of the record nine Blues prospects that prospered at the World Junior Championship, and the Blues brass that was there certainly took notice.
"There's another guy that had a great World Juniors. It was fun to watch," Blues assistant general manager Tim Taylor said. "It's fun to be a part of that World Junior going over there and everyone says, 'All your St. Louis Blues prospects keep scoring.' They all had great tournaments and it was fun to watch. We're looking forward to their growth. They have to take another step over there this year. They have gotten a little bigger, they have gotten stronger so that's the growth and development of each player."
After representing Sweden at the end of the month at the World Junior Showcase in Plymouth, Mich., Stenberg will move on from Frölunda and play for IF Malmö Redhawks to continue his growth.
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"I think that will fit me really good," Stenberg said. "Just to try and get as much ice time as I can and try to have a bigger role on the team. That's important for me when I'm young. You have to play.
"I've talked (with Blues management) a little bit, not that much. I have had good conversations with 'Steener' the whole season and I think he's talking to them too. We had a great conversation and talking about my game and what I can improve. Small things. I'm ready to take on a bigger role."
