Coming into training camp last year, Oskar Steen was a relatively unknown name.
The Swedish native, however, was impressive and began the season in Providence with high expectations. While Steen never made an appearance in Boston, he had a solid first season in the AHL. Although the young forward is not expected to be used as a reserve when the playoffs begin, Steen will be watching closely as he prepares for the 2020-2021 season.
The Bruins selected Steen in the sixth-round of the 2016 NHL draft with the 165 overall pick. However, Steen did not join the Bruins organization right away as played in the Swedish hockey league until the 2019-2020 season. In 2018 Steen’s final year before joining Providence, he had 17 goals and 20 assists in 42 games.
In May of last year, the Bruins showed their faith in Steen as he was signed to a three-year, entry-level deal with an annual cap hit of $ 809,167. Steen joined a group of talented forwards in Providence that included Jack Studnicka and Jakob Lauko.
Oskar Steen snaps one past Cory Schneider. Nice shot for the 21-year-old forward.
1-0 Bruins. pic.twitter.com/VomCIb5Bo1
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) September 17, 2019
In Steen’s debut season with Providence, he had seven goals and 16 assists in 48 games. The Swedish native was able to land 81 shots on net and scored two powerplay goals. He showed a flair for the dramatic as the Bruins center was able to record one game-winning goal.
Although the season was cut, short Steen finished with the eight most points on the Providence roster. He was also tied for third in shorthanded goals and averaged 0.38 points a game. Although it was a down year compared to his numbers from the season before in the SHL, Steen was able to bring some of his playmaking ability to the AHL.
During preseason last year, Steen showed that he was a tenacious and hardworking player. Many people who scout of his game said he was better suited for the North American style of play. In his first AHL stint, he showed that he could adapt to the different style of play.
Par Lindholm and Oskar Steen team up for a shorthanded goal. 2-2 game. pic.twitter.com/RwplwYX0yr
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) September 22, 2019
Over the next few years, the Bruins will have some difficult decisions due to their aging core. If Steen can impress again next year, then he will continue to rise in the Bruins system. While the Bruins have a lot of talent in Providence, Steen has held his own over the past year. The young center also played with a chip on his shoulder and showed that he won’t back down from any challenge.
While the Bruins have a bright future ahead, they are hoping that Steen can become an essential piece of it.
