Since being called up from Springfield, Otto Stenberg has been very impressive in his brief NHL stint. He notched two assists in the Blues’ 6-3 win over the Panthers on Saturday. He followed that up by assisting on Justin Faulk’s goal in the second period of Monday night’s loss against the Lightning. It was the loan goal in the contest. Stenberg is producing and looking very comfortable in the Blues lineup.
While it’s only been four games, Stenberg has proven that he belongs in the NHL. The former 25th overall pick in the 2023 draft looks comfortable in the NHL. He has adjusted to the speed of the professional game and can be a consistent contributor on offense. This should earn him a permanent spot on the Blues roster for the rest of the season. But what will his role be, and how will it affect his future in the Blues organization?
What role will Otto Stenberg have this season and in the future
Not only does Stenberg look comfortable in the NHL, but he has nothing less to prove in the AHL. He has spent a year in a half with the Thunderbirds and has been a solid contributor. In 59 AHL games, he has recorded eight goals and 17 assists for 25 points. Combine that with what he did in Sweden last year, and he has nothing left to prove in the lower levels. He basically just be spinning his tires with no real development.
It’s better to have Stenberg in the NHL, where he can gain experience and fully adjust his game. With this season looking like a lost year, the best thing to do is turn their attention to next season. Let Stenberg play a full season, go through the ups and downs of the NHL grind, and see if he’s able to handle it or not. That will give the Blues a clear idea of what they have in Stenberg and what role he’s best suited for.
Currently, Stenberg is slotted into the second line alongside Brayden Schenn and Jake Neighubors. This is the perfect spot for him to be because it will give him plenty of ice time. The more game action he’s involved in, the more he will improve. Also playing alongside players like Schenn and Neighubors will help him as well. With both players being established NHL top-six players, they can show him the ropes and how to be a top-six forward in the NHL.
It’s also a good opportunity for him to develop chemistry with Neighubors. Both players are expected to become key members of the Blues’ offensive attack in the next few seasons. With that they will likely play on the same lines and power play units, it’s good for them to play together now. Get familiar with each other’s play style and what works and does not. That way, when next season comes, and the two are paired together, there will not be a learning period.
While it may seem silly to put so much hype into just four games, Stenberg is showing a lot of promise. It will not be long until he’s one of the faces of the Blues.