The 2023 NHL Draft class is shaping up to be one of the most explosive and deep classes in recent memory. The projected first round is littered with offensive firepower and athletes who will be superstars for years to come. Otto Stenberg has been a prospect seen all over draft rankings ranging from the mid first to even late second round.
Stenberg has spent the last three seasons with Frölunda HC in the Sweden and showcased his talents this season at the U18 World Junior Championship, raising him on many draft boards.
2023 NHL Draft Update: Otto Stenberg was selected 25th overall by the St. Louis Blues.
Who is Otto Stenberg?
| Player | Position | Handedness | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otto Stenberg | C/LW | L | 5’11” / 181cm | 181lbs / 82kg |
Stenberg was born on May 29, 2005 in Stenungsund, Sweden. He grew up playing hockey in his home town until 2020 when he started his lengthy development with Frölunda HC, first beginning in the U16 region.
Stenberg is an all around and dynamic player who worked his way within the club and first cracked the U18 Region team at 16 years old. Stenberg played this past season split primarily between the J20 and SHL teams.
Stenberg’s on-ice production
In the SHL, he only had three points in 23 games but was playing with limited ice-time. In the J20 Division, playing first line minutes, Stenberg was almost a point-per-game player. He possess an incredibly fast and accurate shot, great skating and shifty movement on the ice make him a dynamic player with great potential and a high ceiling.
| Season | Draft Relative | League | Team | GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | D-4 | U16 Div. 2 | Stenungsund HF U16 | 11 | 24 | 24 | 48 |
| U16 Div. 1 | Stenungsund HF U16 | 7 | 16 | 6 | 22 | ||
| J18 Div. 2 | Stenungsund HF J18 | 17 | 8 | 14 | 22 | ||
| 2019–20 | D-3 | U16 Div. 1 | Stenungsund HF U16 | 14 | 30 | 26 | 56 |
| J18 Div. 2 | Stenungsund HF J18 | 15 | 24 | 19 | 43 | ||
| Division 2 | Stenungsund HF | 16 | 2 | 3 | 5 | ||
| 2020–21 | D-2 | U16 Region | Frölunda HC U16 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| J18 Region | Frölunda HC J18 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | ||
| 2021–22 | D-1 | J18 Region | Frölunda HC J18 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 12 |
| J18 Nationell | Frölunda HC J18 | 12 | 8 | 16 | 24 | ||
| J20 Nationell | Frölunda HC J20 | 38 | 16 | 19 | 35 | ||
| International Jr | Sweden U17 (all) | 5 | 3 | 7 | 10 | ||
| International Jr | Sweden U18 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | ||
| International Jr | Sweden U18 (all) | 8 | 3 | 0 | 3 | ||
| 2022–23 | D+0 | J18 Region | Frölunda HC J18 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
| J18 Nationell | Frölunda HC J18 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 8 | ||
| J20 Nationell | Frölunda HC J20 | 29 | 11 | 15 | 26 | ||
| SHL | Frölunda HC | 23 | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| WJC-18 | Sweden U18 “C” | 7 | 7 | 9 | 16 | ||
| International Jr | Sweden U18 (all) | 19 | 17 | 15 | 32 |
Otto Stenberg has a knack for the international stage and is a strong influence on his recent rise in the draft rankings. In international U18 play this year, Stenberg produced at a 1.68 P/GP clip and showcased some of his playmaking abilities—something he lacked to showcase with Frölunda.
Outside of his offensive numbers the Swede is a good all around player and can play a great transitional game. He has a shot that could contend in the top handful of prospects in the class to top it off.
Otto Stenberg’s strengths
Shot
Otto Stenberg has an NHL-ready shot to say the least. Although his production has been somewhat inconsistent in league play, internationally this year he scored 17 goals in 19 games. His release is quick and accurate, and he can score from multiple areas on the ice.
His transitional shots are equally as dangerous. He can score in stride and release the puck from what seems like any position. Add in his one timer and you round out his arsenal of NHL shots.
Board play
Otto is great along the boards battling for loose pucks and breaking out of his own end. in the offensive zone he utilizes his hands and body to maintain position and collect loose pucks. Most of Stenberg’s assist can come as a testament to his possession play along the boards prior to the scoring chance. A valuable skill at only 5’11”, Stenberg holds a great skillset to accelerate his game to the next level with more strength.
All-around game
Stenberg is a good all around player. Outside of his shot he doesn’t have a ton of outstanding skills, but not any glaring weaknesses or holes in his game. He plays with effort and great positioning, playing a 200-foot game and competing every shift. A quality that makes Stenberg a smart selection for any team.
Otto Stenberg’s areas of improvement
Playmaking consistency
An area Stenberg can look to improve in the immediate future playing in the SHL, it’s his playmaking consistency. The forward can struggle offensively at times but will look to improve playing against tougher competition in the SHL next year.
Otto Stenberg’s comparables
Stenberg could have a ceiling similar to Mitch Marner’s if his skillset fully develops. He excels currently at doing a lot of small things really well. He also has a similar playing style to a Morgan Geekie- or Mikael Backlund-type player.
Fit with the Flames
Stenberg will likely be outside of the Flames sights in the first round with their current picks, but some have ranked him as high as #16. He would be a good fit for the Flames and play a strong middle-six role in a few years—not to mention the Swedish connection.
As of right now, Stenberg has also sat as low as 50th on other draft boards. Time will tell but I think the Flames could find a better pick at 16th overall.
Summary
Stenberg has the potential to really flourish in the NHL. It seems right now that he is on the verge of a breakout season in the SHL and at only 17 years old, the kid has time to develop his play. He’s a smart player with good effort and compete.
Right now the Swede has a build to play the wing in the NHL. If he could gain some weight and bring up his offensive consistency, Stenberg could challenge to play in the NHL soon.
Risk: 3.5/5
Reward: 4/5
Projection: Middle-six winger, special teams specialist
All TWC 2023 NHL Draft Profiles
Check out more of our individual player profiles of selected 2023 NHL Draft prospects:
Connor Bedard | Matvei Michkov | Adam Fantilli | Leo Carlsson | Zach Benson | Andrew Cristall | Oliver Moore | Will Smith | Ryan Leonard | Eduard Sale | Colby Barlow | Axel Sandin Pellikka | Dalibor Dvorsky | Brayden Yager | David Reinbacher | Nate Danielson | Riley Heidt | Matthew Wood | Quentin Musty | Mikhail Gulyayev | Calum Ritchie | Gabe Perrault | Jayden Perron | Ethan Gauthier | Dmitri Simashev | Samuel Honzek | Lukas Dragicevic | William Whitelaw | Otto Stenberg | Gavin Brindley | Daniil But
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