Tim Stützle, a forward for the Ottawa Senators, has agreed to an eight-year agreement worth a total of $66.8 million, the team announced on Wednesday. Stützle, who is only 20 years old, is expected to remain a pillar of the franchise for many years.
Stützle, the third-overall choice in the 2020 NHL Draft, made significant progress in 2021–22. Stützle recorded 22 goals and 36 assists in 79 games while establishing a good connection with players like Alex Formenton and Drake Batherson. Additionally, according to Natural Stat Trick, Stützle was third on the team in anticipated goals with 11.65.
The Senators anticipate that Stützle will continue to improve after that breakthrough, and with this eight-year deal, they made a significant long-term commitment to him. General manager of the Senators Pierre Dorion said in a statement that the team has been impressed with Stützle’s performance over the past two years.
A long-term partnership with Tim signifies, in the words of Dorion, “another big step forward for this company.” “Tim is a dynamic offensive player who consistently makes a difference by combining an amazing amount of speed and talent. He’s captivating and has swiftly gained popularity among the audience for good cause.”
Stützle has one year left on his $925,000 entry-level deal, and his extension will take effect at the start of the 2023-24 season. He will have a cap hit of $8.35 million per year at that point.
The Senators have been aggressive this offseason, trying to make progress in their lengthy and hard rebuilding process. Ottawa acquired winger Alex DeBrincat and goalkeeper Cam Talbot in trades and signed veteran center Claude Giroux.
These additions, combined with the development of young players such as Stützle and Brady Tkachuk, make the Senators an intriguing squad moving into the 2022-23 season.