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It was enjoyable to revisit the Hockey News Archive and read about Senator Tim Stutzle from five years ago, just days before the NHL draft. That year’s draft was unusual due to social distancing, with players preparing for the draft from home rather than gathering in an arena.
In the 2020 NHL Draft Preview, Matt Larkin highlighted the young German player, Tim Stutzle, whose exceptional skills and speed demonstrated that he was more than ready to compete with seasoned professionals.
May 11, 2020 / Vol. 73, Issue 06
First Germany, then the world
Once, playing in the NHL was just a dream for Tim Stutzle, but now, having established himself in Germany, he’s aiming for even bigger challenges.
By Matt Larkin
Tim Stutzle envisions himself blazing past defenders with the blazing speed of his idol, Connor McDavid, creating highlight-worthy plays in front of NHL fans. Not long ago, this dream might have seemed out of reach for a kid from Viersen, Germany, a town with a population of 75,000. However, German hockey has made impressive strides: Leon Draisaitl was drafted third overall in 2014 and is currently one of the best players globally; Germany reached the Olympic gold medal game in 2018; and in 2019, defenseman Moritz Seider was drafted sixth overall. Stutzle and Seider even played together at the 2020 World Juniors.
For Stutzle, a dynamic center expected to be a top-three pick in the 2020 draft, the NHL is now a tangible goal. But the COVID-19 pandemic put his plans on hold, forcing him to stay home and leaving the timing of the draft uncertain. He spent much of his quarantine playing inline hockey outdoors, but otherwise stuck at home as an only child.
Despite this pause, Stutzle’s potential is clear. Known for his dazzling scoring ability and flashy moves that often go viral in GIFs, he attributes his strengths to skating, playmaking, and stickhandling. Though young, he’s already outperforming older players and dominating the German junior ranks with outstanding goal-scoring records. By age 17, he was already competing professionally.
He played alongside former NHLers like Ben Smith, Andrew Desjardins, Borna Rendulic, and fellow German Marcel Goc. His coach at Adler Mannheim, Pavel Gross, praised his offensive skills, speed, and ability to create plays — traits that can’t be taught.
In his rookie professional season, Stutzle recorded 7 goals and 34 points in 41 games. As he adapts to playing against men and reaches his full potential, his goal-scoring will surely improve. Gross compares his style not to Draisaitl but to Elias Pettersson, noting that Stutzle needs to work on quicker shot releases and stronger puck control against physical defenders.
Stutzle plans to focus on building strength over the summer to better compete physically. Coaches agree that improving his defensive play is also crucial but see it as a normal part of his development.
The pandemic-related sports shutdown might even benefit Stutzle, allowing him to gain muscle and strength before the 2020-21 season begins, possibly giving him an edge if he jumps straight to the NHL.
Though Stutzle has primarily played center, he has also thrived on the wing this season, a position where his skills might shine the most. Playing wing reduces defensive duties and lets him use his speed and creativity to generate scoring chances.
He’s learning valuable lessons and English from his teammates, which will help his transition to North America. Coaches describe him as a humble, team-oriented player who never lets ego get in the way.
There’s a real possibility he could be drafted third overall, joining Draisaitl as one of the most highly regarded German NHL prospects. While being picked first or second brings pressure, going third still holds high expectations and could see him spend additional time developing before making the NHL leap.
Despite the fanfare, Stutzle remains grounded, focusing on his goal of a long NHL career and championship success.
Fan Take: Tim Stutzle’s rise symbolizes the growing impact of German players in the NHL and highlights the sport’s expanding international reach. His success could inspire a new generation of young talents from non-traditional hockey countries, enriching the game’s global appeal and competitiveness.
