St. Louis Blues Send Rookie Otto Stenberg to AHL
In an unexpected move, the St. Louis Blues have opted to send their highly-touted rookie, Otto Stenberg, to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. This decision comes ahead of a three-week NHL pause for the Winter Olympics set to be held in Milan, Italy, and is strategic rather than a reflection of Stenberg’s performance.
Stenberg’s Performance and Team Strategy
Stenberg, who was selected 25th overall in the recent NHL Draft, has made a positive impression during his initial 18 games in the league, recording one goal and seven assists, along with a plus-4 rating. With the Blues sitting at a challenging 19-24-9 record and a handful of games to play before the Olympic break, the team aims to maximize Stenberg’s playing time by allowing him to continue competing in the AHL while the NHL is dormant.
The current NHL structure means that had Stenberg participated in any of the Blues’ remaining five games leading up to the Olympics, he would have been ineligible to join Springfield during this downtime. Thus, by placing him with the Thunderbirds, the organization ensures that he gets valuable playing time and experience, mitigating the risk of stagnation.
Coach’s Insights on Stenberg’s Development
Coach Jim Montgomery recognized Stenberg’s potential during recent games, noting his energetic play and adjustment challenges related to the demanding nature of the NHL, particularly after a strenuous trip across three time zones. Montgomery emphasized the importance of adapting to the NHL’s pace, highlighting the learning curve young players like Stenberg face.
“The key for Stenberg is to understand how to take care of his body and recover effectively,” Montgomery remarked, adding that veteran players are encouraged to mentor younger teammates through this transition. He commended Stenberg’s hockey intellect, stating, “He definitely has an NHL brain. His game management is top-notch, and he excels at playing off the puck. The focus now should be on enhancing his offensive capabilities.”
Looking Ahead
The Blues remain optimistic about Stenberg’s future, believing that this assignment will facilitate his growth while ensuring he remains active on the ice.
