Otto Salin is a very confident defenseman, using his strong skating and offensive mindset to drive play up ice. When he has the puck on his stick, he is very calm regardless of what end of the ice he’s in. There’s a patience in his game that allows him to slow the game down and give himself the space and time he needs to make plays. He does have the ability to move up ice with possession quickly, passing the puck off as needed to ensure his team can enter the offensive zone with possession. He is also very creative when he is forced to dump the puck in, sending the puck into the corner at angles that allow his teammates a chance to win the race there. Other times, he isn’t afraid to make risky plays and his confidence seems to be endless — which sometimes doesn’t necessarily always work in his favor. There’s some promising defensive habits in his game that make him adequate at defending, but he has a few areas that would make him more effective in this area. Using his stick to take away passing lanes is something he would benefit from. This will come with better anticipation and processing of the play around him. He also needs to build up his physicality more as he can be outmatched at times against larger opponents. If he can add strength and improve his physical play then he will limit any potential issues that may arise when he tries to engage in puck battles or in boxing opponents out for rebounds. An injury during the season caused him to miss some time so he may fall a bit under the radar as far as what his true potential is. The mobility and the poise Salin displays with the puck will really jump out to scouts and they may see him as a future fixture on their blue line in multiple situations.

– FCHockey’s 2022 NHL Draft Guide