Why the Toronto Maple Leafs could select Otto Stenberg with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday Night.
Why Pick Him? Heading into the world under-18s in April, European scouts had circled Stenberg's name on their worksheets. He had a reputation for playing well on the international stage - helping Sweden win gold at the previous U-18s in 2022 - but he wasn't finding success with Frolunda back home, where he had spread his season between the SHL and the U-20 and U-18 squads.
What the scouts say: Blessed with a great one-timer, Stenberg did find success at the U-18s. leading the Swedes in scoring. "with Frolunda, he has been up and down, but with the national team, he's always one of the best forwards," said another scout. "He's one of those guys who raises the bar when the stakes are high. Good offensive attributes."