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Sandman · 03-22-2024, 02:13 AM

Draft Thoughts (K-2SO Edition):

RW Karl Sterner, who measures 6'3",187lbs, plays primarily for Frolunda's J20 team in Sweden, and has a stat-line that bears a striking resemblance to that of countryman Jack Berglund's- 15 goals, and 34 points in 45 games (Berglund did it in 41 games). One big difference between the two that tells a tale, is their penalty minutes- Sterner has 49, while Berglund has only 20, which reflects the differences between the two players' respective demeanors. Sterner took part in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Team Sweden, and came away with 1 goal in 4 games- I thought he was fun to watch, and I like this kid.

Sterner has a solid base of skills, and a wide array of physical tools, but is a bit raw. The best skill in his toolkit might be his size/skating ratio- he moves quite fluidly, with a long, powerful stride, and gets up and down the ice quickly. He's very agile for a big player, and has excellent small-area quickness, which helps him along the wall, and in traffic. His long reach and strength aids him in protecting the puck, along with the way he angles his body away from attackers- he will even throw a reverse hit to give himself a little more room. His stickhandling is smooth, and his hands are quick, and he can play a little keep-away while he scans for options. Sterner uses his size well as leverage when cutting to the middle, or crashing the net, and he controls the play along the walls. He owns a hard, heavy shot with a quick release, and has fairly high IQ and awareness in all 3 zones. His passing game is a plus, but I wouldn't necessarily call him a playmaker. In the defensive zone, he's quite sound, though not really a stalwart- his long reach and quickness help him create turnovers and kill plays.

Sterner's play away from the puck has been called into question, as he can stop moving his feet from time to time, while puck-watching- he needs to be more consistently involved. He uses his size well, but like Berglund, he could stand to use it even more to impose his will, as well as to intimidate and punish- though that may not be his game. He can sometimes lack intensity as well. Sterner will need plenty of time to develop his skills, and is a long way from fulfilling his potential- he's a big upside player. I'm going to guess 3rd/4th round.

03-22-2024, 02:13 AM	#1231
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (K-2SO Edition): RW Karl Sterner, who measures 6'3",187lbs, plays primarily for Frolunda's J20 team in Sweden, and has a stat-line that bears a striking resemblance to that of countryman Jack Berglund's- 15 goals, and 34 points in 45 games (Berglund did it in 41 games). One big difference between the two that tells a tale, is their penalty minutes- Sterner has 49, while Berglund has only 20, which reflects the differences between the two players' respective demeanors. Sterner took part in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Team Sweden, and came away with 1 goal in 4 games- I thought he was fun to watch, and I like this kid. Sterner has a solid base of skills, and a wide array of physical tools, but is a bit raw. The best skill in his toolkit might be his size/skating ratio- he moves quite fluidly, with a long, powerful stride, and gets up and down the ice quickly. He's very agile for a big player, and has excellent small-area quickness, which helps him along the wall, and in traffic. His long reach and strength aids him in protecting the puck, along with the way he angles his body away from attackers- he will even throw a reverse hit to give himself a little more room. His stickhandling is smooth, and his hands are quick, and he can play a little keep-away while he scans for options. Sterner uses his size well as leverage when cutting to the middle, or crashing the net, and he controls the play along the walls. He owns a hard, heavy shot with a quick release, and has fairly high IQ and awareness in all 3 zones. His passing game is a plus, but I wouldn't necessarily call him a playmaker. In the defensive zone, he's quite sound, though not really a stalwart- his long reach and quickness help him create turnovers and kill plays. Sterner's play away from the puck has been called into question, as he can stop moving his feet from time to time, while puck-watching- he needs to be more consistently involved. He uses his size well, but like Berglund, he could stand to use it even more to impose his will, as well as to intimidate and punish- though that may not be his game. He can sometimes lack intensity as well. Sterner will need plenty of time to develop his skills, and is a long way from fulfilling his potential- he's a big upside player. I'm going to guess 3rd/4th round.