Springfield Thunderbirds fans are getting ready to welcome another key prospect to the St. Louis Blues after the club announced the impending signing of Otto Steinberg. The 25th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft will be transferred and loaned to Springfield after spending the first half of the season with Malmo of the Swedish Hockey League.
Steinberg just returned from his second trip to the World Junior Championships with Sweden, where he had eight points in seven games. Over the past two games, Steinberg has 17 points in 14 games.
“After discussions with Otto and his representatives, we have agreed that it would be best for him to begin his career in North America now,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement. “We look forward to him joining us at Spurs. Linfield continues to develop alongside many other prospects.”
Steinberg will join forces in Springfield with Dalibor Dvorsky, who was selected 15 picks ahead of him in the same draft, moving the Blues to Two of the most important rising stars under one roof.
Steinberg made his SHL debut at age 17 and has appeared in 75 games in Sweden's top professional league over the past three seasons. He scored 15 points during this period. In 25 games for Malmo this season, he has six points.
Steinberg was born in Frölunda, one of Sweden's most famous and successful clubs. He is out on loan this season, hoping to play a bigger role at a club that needs more help. Ultimately, Steinberg still hadn't quite found his scoring touch as a pro while playing six minutes in the middle against the Redhawks.
The 19-year-old has not returned to the SHL since his time at the World Junior Championship, where Sweden finished a disappointing fourth place. His scoring in this game was tied for third on the team.
It's unclear when Steinberg will make his AHL debut, but it's another exciting addition to a Dworski team that was just selected for the AHL All-Star Classic.
2025 Providence Bruins vs Springfield Thunderbirds
Moving to North America now will give the Blues more say in Steinberg's development. He'll likely get more playing time and be put in a position to succeed, putting himself on the right track to joining the Blues. There's no doubt he has the talent and playing style to make him a productive NHL player, and getting reps in the AHL for the remainder of this year and much of next year can only help.
There will likely be an adjustment period as it will be more difficult to get time and space in the AHL. Stenberg is 6 feet tall and weighs just under 190 pounds. The physicality and pace of the AHL will certainly present some challenges early on. But playing through the second half of the season and getting workouts can only help recalibrate Steinberg's expectations and what he needs to do to make it to the NHL.
He is an exciting player with a bright future. After seeing him perform well at another World Juniors, it's no wonder the Blues are looking to add him to their squad as soon as possible.
Watch AHL, ECHL, USHL and more on FloHockey
FloHockey is the streaming home for some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the AHL, ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule for more hockey games.
Join the hockey conversation on FloHockey Social
Source link
