Prospect Evaluation: Otto Stenberg

[DawgDad]

As time passes some of the current wingers on the Blues are likely to become expendable or replaceable. Somebody may prefer to leave, some may get beat up, somebody may get traded. The team is now in a spot where a young player has to earn his ice time by demonstrating he'll make the team better (fill a need better) than some other player. A Stenberg type player has a chance if he truly is skilled AND versatile, defensively responsibe and effective on PK. If one or more of those young Blues wings proves to be one-dimensional, inconsistrnt, or soft they could be vulnerable.

[Blue Sabbath]

Just do it. Bring him up, put him out there, let him watch from up above at times to help bring the big picture together for him to develop/mature "real time." And find trade/waive/whatever Joseph and Texier to lessen their salary burden to enable hopefully gettin a more immediate impact C or RHD as well.

Stenberg is not ready yet and who do you suggest he plays wing over in the top 9 currently? (And Stenberg is a winger not a center if you say that also.)

Buch / Snuggerud / Kyrou / Holloway / Neighbours / Bolduc

Not as a Center. As a replacement for Joseph and Texier. To play when someone is hurt -- one of those wingers you mentioned, or if whomever our various Centermen need a break/injured and Faksa (if here) or Walker or someone else slots into to cover as C...then again Stenberg plays wing.
Maybe we'll succeed in filling our two major needs, and then it's a moot point and end of discussion. But for the money, Texier especially and Joseph are not worth it.

That's fine but I doubt any team is taking Texier or Joseph off the Blues hands. Stenberg still has a lot of growing to do. He might factor at some point on the Blues roster next season but seriously doubt it is from the start of the season.

+1, unless he has a monster off season and blows away the brass at camp, another year in the AHL to let him cook is a good idea. I think they give him a handful of games to get him primed for 26-27's training camp.

What i really like is that no spots are given to our prospects. They have to earn a call up to get a practice, use practice to earn a game and are given more responsibility as they prove they can handle it.

Agreed. Also agree with Skilles above, that he's a probable trade piece. He's not beating Kyrou, Buch, Snuggy, Holloway in the top 6, likely not passing Bolduc or Neighbours in the top 9. So unless once of those wingers is the centerpiece of a trade to bring back a 2C or 2RHD, Stenberg is one of may wing prospects who could be expendable.

I wouldnt agree with this until we see what he has to offer you'd hate to move on from Stenberg and see him become a 30 g 60+ guy else where it could be in a two years:


Buch Thomas Snuggerud
Holloway Schenn Kyrou
Stenberg Dvorsky Bolduc
Neighbours Dean Toropchenko

For example, not saying this exactly what will happen, who knows but what if Stenberg is a lot better than Neighbours, potentially great 4th line, contender deep forward group

I'm not willing to bet that Schenn/Dvorsky will be a serviceable middle six center duo in two years. It's possible, but unlikely. And another unknown as insurance, in Dean on the 4th line? That's a LOT of assumed growth, and at a crucial position for success.

Schenn is almost certain to regress over the next two years given his age, wear and tear, and how he was trending before the coaching change.

As much as it might suck to see Stenberg blossom into a 30g guy elsewhere, winning here takes precedence. The fear of seeing Tage Thompson develop in Buffalo didn't stop us from filling a need for a more prime aged center in ROR.

We need another middle six center in our age bracket who can protect Dvorsky and Schenn from being asked to do too much. A winger prospect is where we have the most depth to trade from, so it makes sense.

I doubt your regret trade Tage. I sure don't.

We all know Stenberg alone doesn't bring back a player comparable to a 2019 ROR. Berglund and Sobotka, went along with Tage.

Today's version of that trade probably includes Neighbors and another prospect like Stancil or this years 1st or both since we have no other forwards we can trade without messing up our top 6. Texier, Sunny, and Joseph will be unwanted by other teams as throw ins.

Are Blues fans prepared to send Stenberg, Neighbors, Stancl and a 1st? Not saying they won't but that's the asset value it probably would take for a 1C/2C that makes it worth it.

[Frank Underwood]

I think he will turn out to be a very good top 9 forward. Skilled, quick, and seems to have good hockey sense. No idea why we would trade a guy like this at this stage, unless he was specifically requested by another team in a trade for a key piece. If anyone watched him in the World Juniors, let’s see what he can do at the NHL level. Give him another year in the NHL and he should be ready to contribute.

Cause you gotta give to get, not because I don't like him but because we need other pieces and because I'm very concerned about our d aging out before we get replacements.

Its really more of a compliment to Stenberg than a criticism.

Ideally I'd get A comparable RD or add and get a higher quality RD that can start on 3rd pair this year and work up. I'd throw in our first to for the right guy.

Yeah, I get where you’re coming from and agree on that kind of deal. I didn’t want to say it in my post, but I was kind of thinking of a Brady Tkachuk trade….if Ottawa specifically asked for Stenberg as one of the pieces. But I didn’t want to go down the Brady Tkachuk road and get people fired up! But yes, if we have to include him in a deal that will make the Blues better, I can be on board with that. Depth is nice!

* By the way, I meant give Stenberg another year in the AHL, not NHL, and then he should be ready. I’m guessing everyone knew what I meant, but I mistyped.

[Blue Sabbath]

I think he will turn out to be a very good top 9 forward. Skilled, quick, and seems to have good hockey sense. No idea why we would trade a guy like this at this stage, unless he was specifically requested by another team in a trade for a key piece. If anyone watched him in the World Juniors, let’s see what he can do at the NHL level. Give him another year in the NHL and he should be ready to contribute.

I agree this is the best approach unless we get an offer we can't refuse. The more these kids develop the higher their value in the eyes of potential trade partners and the better our coaches can decide who fits and where and who doesn't and gets traded.

People seem to be in a rush to finish the 'whatever' and there's a lot of danger in that. I wonder what happened to the word patience that we used to see in threads not so long ago.

[BluesDom]

This year he will dominate in the AHL and then later next season he can get a call up to STL.
Dvorsky gets called up first though. Kaskimaki is ahead of him too. Possibly Alexandrov if he re-signs.
He is still developing. Had a decent AHL experience so far.

[Army's Mom]

I think he will turn out to be a very good top 9 forward. Skilled, quick, and seems to have good hockey sense. No idea why we would trade a guy like this at this stage, unless he was specifically requested by another team in a trade for a key piece. If anyone watched him in the World Juniors, let’s see what he can do at the NHL level. Give him another year in the NHL and he should be ready to contribute.

I agree this is the best approach unless we get an offer we can't refuse. The more these kids develop the higher their value in the eyes of potential trade partners and the better our coaches can decide who fits and where and who doesn't and gets traded.

People seem to be in a rush to finish the 'whatever' and there's a lot of danger in that. I wonder what happened to the word patience that we used to see in threads not so long ago.

Hahaha, point taken.

Not that you meant me, but I'm certainly on that side of the fence, today. Of course, the risk of having too much patience is that today's prospects can quickly become tomorrow's suspects. If we'd waited for Dominic Bokk to wash out, we never would've been able to trade him for value. Same with kid we sent to Ottawa for the pick get Tarasenko.

Better to trade some Stenbergs (or Tage Thompsons) when the right opportunity presents itself. And I think most of us here trust DA to know which opportunities are worth it.

[zamadoo]

This year he will dominate in the AHL and then later next season he can get a call up to STL.
Dvorsky gets called up first though. Kaskimaki is ahead of him too. Possibly Alexandrov if he re-signs.
He is still developing. Had a decent AHL experience so far.

I think there's a chance we see one or all of Dvorsky, Dean, and Kaskimaki on the opening night roster.

I don't even want to exclude Stenberg from that list, but there's only so many spots and a bit of a pecking order to follow with no need to rush younger prospects who can still benefit from pro hockey in the AHL.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

Give him another year in the AHL and keep him unless someone overpays. He’ll be a really good top 9 IMHO. And we will shed some of our dead weight the next couple of years, clearing the way for Stenberg, Dvo and hopefully someone like Pekarcik. Joseph, Texier, and hopefully Buch will get jettisoned or not resigned in the case of Sunny.

We need a solid 3c this season and focus on developing or finding/signing a RHD for the top 4.

[seattleblue]

We are in the dawn of the Stenberg era in the NHL. Ivar Stenberg could be the second overall pick behind McKenna next year. They have a kid brother who is a defenseman: Knut, the rumored wunderkind

[Frank Underwood]

We are in the dawn of the Stenberg era in the NHL. Ivar Stenberg could be the second overall pick behind McKenna next year. They have a kid brother who is a defenseman: Knut, the rumored wunderkind

Otto, Ivar, and Knut? Gotta love that!

[Blue Sabbath]

I think he will turn out to be a very good top 9 forward. Skilled, quick, and seems to have good hockey sense. No idea why we would trade a guy like this at this stage, unless he was specifically requested by another team in a trade for a key piece. If anyone watched him in the World Juniors, let’s see what he can do at the NHL level. Give him another year in the NHL and he should be ready to contribute.

I agree this is the best approach unless we get an offer we can't refuse. The more these kids develop the higher their value in the eyes of potential trade partners and the better our coaches can decide who fits and where and who doesn't and gets traded.

People seem to be in a rush to finish the 'whatever' and there's a lot of danger in that. I wonder what happened to the word patience that we used to see in threads not so long ago.

Hahaha, point taken.

Not that you meant me, but I'm certainly on that side of the fence, today. Of course, the risk of having too much patience is that today's prospects can quickly become tomorrow's suspects. If we'd waited for Dominic Bokk to wash out, we never would've been able to trade him for value. Same with kid we sent to Ottawa for the pick get Tarasenko.

Better to trade some Stenbergs (or Tage Thompsons) when the right opportunity presents itself. And I think most of us here trust DA to know which opportunities are worth it.

I believe trades will be made when other teams start calling Army with offers he feels good about. He may be calling around some too but isn't getting the responses he's cool with. I bet we see a few trades over the next 2-3 years but I'm not expecting much for this off-season. Time will tell.

[skilles]

I think he will turn out to be a very good top 9 forward. Skilled, quick, and seems to have good hockey sense. No idea why we would trade a guy like this at this stage, unless he was specifically requested by another team in a trade for a key piece. If anyone watched him in the World Juniors, let’s see what he can do at the NHL level. Give him another year in the NHL and he should be ready to contribute.

I agree this is the best approach unless we get an offer we can't refuse. The more these kids develop the higher their value in the eyes of potential trade partners and the better our coaches can decide who fits and where and who doesn't and gets traded.

People seem to be in a rush to finish the 'whatever' and there's a lot of danger in that. I wonder what happened to the word patience that we used to see in threads not so long ago.

I'm not at all talking about getting in a rush, just keeping an eye out for an opportunity to trade from a position of strength for a position of weakness.

I'm not talking trading Stenberg for long term win now veterans/rentals. I'm talking about maybe shuffling our futures/prospect pool. My opinion is if we don't get some young stud d in the mix we are going to suffer for it in the not to distant future and I don't want us to have to make the move in desperation later.

[Old_Goat]

Just do it. Bring him up, put him out there, let him watch from up above at times to help bring the big picture together for him to develop/mature "real time." And find trade/waive/whatever Joseph and Texier to lessen their salary burden to enable hopefully gettin a more immediate impact C or RHD as well.

Stenberg is not ready yet and who do you suggest he plays wing over in the top 9 currently? (And Stenberg is a winger not a center if you say that also.)

Buch / Snuggerud / Kyrou / Holloway / Neighbours / Bolduc

Not as a Center. As a replacement for Joseph and Texier. To play when someone is hurt -- one of those wingers you mentioned, or if whomever our various Centermen need a break/injured and Faksa (if here) or Walker or someone else slots into to cover as C...then again Stenberg plays wing.
Maybe we'll succeed in filling our two major needs, and then it's a moot point and end of discussion. But for the money, Texier especially and Joseph are not worth it.

That's fine but I doubt any team is taking Texier or Joseph off the Blues hands. Stenberg still has a lot of growing to do. He might factor at some point on the Blues roster next season but seriously doubt it is from the start of the season.

Then waive them. If nobody else wants them, then why do we? Use the cap savings to help in hopefully filling at least one of our two more immediate needs at C and/or RHD. I realize we have a few weeks to see how it goes and to be patient for now.

[kimzey59]

We are in the dawn of the Stenberg era in the NHL. Ivar Stenberg could be the second overall pick behind McKenna next year. They have a kid brother who is a defenseman: Knut, the rumored wunderkind

Knut is no wunderkind.
Ivar is the best of the lot, by a hefty margin.
Knut is the "worst".

Knut is an undersized D man who spent some time on RW to end the season. He puts up a decent amount of points against his age group, but probably doesn't project as a straight "offensive d man". More of a 2-way guy that's just been far outcoached relative to his peers. I wouldn't be surprised if the transition to wing sticks, either(5'9" forwards have a LOT better chance of eeking out an NHL career than a 5'9" defenseman would). Not a terrible prospect, but certainly not of the same caliber as Ivar. He's a '27 eligible(and on the younger side of the spectrum with an August birth month) but probably projects as a 2nd/3rd rounder at the moment.

[noted]

Just do it. Bring him up, put him out there, let him watch from up above at times to help bring the big picture together for him to develop/mature "real time." And find trade/waive/whatever Joseph and Texier to lessen their salary burden to enable hopefully gettin a more immediate impact C or RHD as well.

Stenberg is not ready yet and who do you suggest he plays wing over in the top 9 currently? (And Stenberg is a winger not a center if you say that also.)

Buch / Snuggerud / Kyrou / Holloway / Neighbours / Bolduc

Not as a Center. As a replacement for Joseph and Texier. To play when someone is hurt -- one of those wingers you mentioned, or if whomever our various Centermen need a break/injured and Faksa (if here) or Walker or someone else slots into to cover as C...then again Stenberg plays wing.
Maybe we'll succeed in filling our two major needs, and then it's a moot point and end of discussion. But for the money, Texier especially and Joseph are not worth it.

That's fine but I doubt any team is taking Texier or Joseph off the Blues hands. Stenberg still has a lot of growing to do. He might factor at some point on the Blues roster next season but seriously doubt it is from the start of the season.

Then waive them. If nobody else wants them, then why do we? Use the cap savings to help in hopefully filling at least one of our two more immediate needs at C and/or RHD. I realize we have a few weeks to see how it goes and to be patient for now.

You don't get much "cap savings" when you "waive" guys. If the bury them in minors, the cap savings is very minimal. Both those guys would be more useful to the Blues than Stenberg would be next year also...

[Blue Sabbath]

I think he will turn out to be a very good top 9 forward. Skilled, quick, and seems to have good hockey sense. No idea why we would trade a guy like this at this stage, unless he was specifically requested by another team in a trade for a key piece. If anyone watched him in the World Juniors, let’s see what he can do at the NHL level. Give him another year in the NHL and he should be ready to contribute.

I agree this is the best approach unless we get an offer we can't refuse. The more these kids develop the higher their value in the eyes of potential trade partners and the better our coaches can decide who fits and where and who doesn't and gets traded.

People seem to be in a rush to finish the 'whatever' and there's a lot of danger in that. I wonder what happened to the word patience that we used to see in threads not so long ago.

I'm not at all talking about getting in a rush, just keeping an eye out for an opportunity to trade from a position of strength for a position of weakness.

I'm not talking trading Stenberg for long term win now veterans/rentals. I'm talking about maybe shuffling our futures/prospect pool. My opinion is if we don't get some young stud d in the mix we are going to suffer for it in the not to distant future and I don't want us to have to make the move in desperation later.

Sounds like you're talking about a version of the Runblad for Tarasenko deal. This time we're trading the forward instead of a Dman. This may be an ideal way to get the young and talented Dman we still need for our prospect pool. I believe those trades are rare though. Correct me if you know of some examples. Regardless, our asset pool is finite and will have to be managed judiciously to get the maximum use out of it. This includes our older vets of which the law of diminishing returns applies to. I believe we're going to have to trade a few as the seasons go by starting next off-season at the latest to keep the inflow of young cheap talent that becomes veteran Blues themselves one day. I just don't feel pressured to do much if anything right now so to speak. I guarantee Army is ready to take advantage of any opportunity he deems worthy.