Latest news with #TimStützle
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jack Hughes Ranked High on Best Forwards Under 25 List
ranked their top forwards under 25 entering this season, and it came as no surprise that Devils' Jack Hughes landed second on the list. Hughes is entering his seventh year with the Devils after being selected first overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He's been a staple for New Jersey both on and off the ice. At just 24 years old, Hughes has scored at least 26 goals in each of the past four seasons, though injuries have kept him from showcasing his full potential. Hughes also happens to have one of the best, if not the best, contracts in the NHL. He's entering year four of an eight-year, $64 million deal, with an average annual value of $8 million. Jack Hughes Ranked No. 1 NHL Contract by The Athletic Dom Luszczyszyn, NHL analyst for The Athletic (a New York Times publication), r ecently ranked the best contracts across the NHL. From Leon Draisaitl's eight-year, $14 million AAV deal (ranked 6th) to Brandon Hagel's seven-year, $6.5 million AAV contract (ranked 2nd), some of the league's biggest stars made the list. Given his performance, skill, and the overall value he brings to the team, this deal is a steal for New Jersey. The only player ranked ahead of Hughes? Tim Stützle of the Ottawa Senators. Stützle is a year younger, but his impact in Ottawa mirrors what Hughes has done in New Jersey. Stützle helped lead the Senators to their first Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance since 2017 and paced the team with 79 points in 82 games last season. He's hit the 70-point mark in each of the last three seasons, which secured him the No. 1 spot in the rankings. Right behind him is New Jersey's very own. Hughes has dealt with two major injuries in his career, the first in 2021 and again last season, when a shoulder injury required season-ending surgery. Still, Hughes remains a centerpiece of the Devils' lineup. In 368 NHL games, he has tallied 141 goals and 210 assists. Before last season's injury, he posted 70 points in just 62 games. His impact on the Devils is immeasurable. He's grown into the face of the franchise. It's no surprise that the slick Devils forward is ranked second on the list of best forwards under 25. Injured or not, he's proven just how valuable he is. In 2022-23, when fully healthy, Hughes recorded 99 points in 78 games. He's one of only 11 NHL players to average at least 1.10 points per game over the last four seasons, despite the injuries. The Devils made the right choice with their 2019 first-overall pick. And if Hughes can stay healthy, don't be surprised if he claims the top spot soon. Photo Credit: © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
New York Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Senators depth chart: Where can Ottawa plug holes after re-signing Giroux?
The biggest hold-up in the Ottawa Senators' plans before free agency was signing Claude Giroux — an aging yet essential veteran to the team's core who didn't want to leave Ottawa, nor did the Senators want him gone. Now that a deal has been signed, the next question to follow Giroux is where to put him in the lineup. It's a question that will be discussed for the remainder of the summer and into training camp this fall. Advertisement Giroux's statistical drop in recent seasons could mean a lower position in the lineup, especially if newly signed Fabian Zetterlund emerges as the right top-line winger for Tim Stützle or if the Senators acquire another winger to play that spot. Fortunately for Giroux and Zetterlund, both men are versatile and can play either wing, which opens up possibilities up and down the lineup. They're among the roster decisions this Senators team will face between now and opening day. And there's still time for the Senators to plug a few holes. Ottawa has over $7 million in cap space according to PuckPedia. The Sens are expected to make small changes to their depth chart, and if a trade makes sense, maybe they go down that road too. It appears more likely to see reinforcements with their forward group than their defence, but things can always change. Here are some depth charts at each position, while also identifying potential fill-ins at forward. These lines aren't set in stone, of course. And as we'll explain further down, there are different line combinations the Senators could use. Yes, Giroux has chemistry with Stützle and Brady Tkachuk on the top line. But the Sens would probably be better served with a younger scoring winger who can play top-line minutes, while Giroux can still contribute alongside Shane Pinto and Ridly Greig on a checking line. Zetterlund could also work as a top-line right-winger here, too. David Perron and Michael Amadio could drop further down the lineup, as we've mocked here. But of course, they could slot higher. Potential signing options with projected contracts, according to CapWages and AFP Analytics Pius Suter (4 years, $4,983,054 AAV) Jonathan Drouin (3 years, $5,024,494 AAV) Victor Olofsson (3 years, $3,410,544 AAV) Jack Roslovic (3 years, $4,094,563 AAV) Connor Brown (3 years, $2,920,564 AAV) Brandon Tanev (2 years, $2,210,825 AAV) Christian Dvorak (2 years, $1,765,689 AAV) Justin Danforth (2 years, $1,453,510 AAV) Adam Gaudette (1 year, $1,025,431 AAV) Advertisement Admittedly, this isn't the sexiest list of possibilities on the open market for wingers and depth forwards. But it's what works with the cap space available to Ottawa presently. Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Boeser are popular targets among fans, but the Sens' lack of salary cap space takes them out of those sweepstakes unless they find a way to clear more salary. So, until then (or unless either expresses genuine interest in coming to Ottawa), I'm not holding my breath. Mikael Granlund also misses the list, as he and his agent are working to try and stay in Dallas, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. Things are quiet on the Gaudette front for now, but if the Sens wanted him back, he'd fit right back into their fourth-centre slot. If the Senators find a way to make more cap space, likely through trade, that opens them up to higher-quality offensive options. The Senators reportedly kicked tires on Rasmus Andersson, according to LeBrun, but he wants to be in Vegas. For those hoping Aaron Ekblad slides into Ottawa's hands, he's staying in the Sunshine State for another go at the Stanley Cup. In any case, I think defence is less of a priority for them this offseason with Jordan Spence in their lineup, now. Speaking of Spence, I've put him on the third pair. I'd rather be surprised and see the Sens start Spence on a top pair with Jake Sanderson as opposed to aiming high and later discovering they won't split Sanderson away from Artem Zub. Remember, while Spence did post solid underlying metrics in Los Angeles, it was in sheltered minutes as the team's fifth defenceman in terms of average ice time (16:47). On a third pair with Tyler Kleven, he's an offensive upgrade from Nikolas Matinpalo, who could always slot in as a seventh defender. Of course, Nick Jensen's health might change a lot of this. If Jensen isn't healthy in time for the season, that's when the defence pairs could look interesting. Maybe you reunite Artem Zub and Thomas Chabot as a pair, and then have Spence as a top-pair guy. And then you can maintain your third pair of Kleven and Matinpalo. Advertisement Merilainen signed a one-year contract extension on Monday, carrying a $1.05 million annual average value. While I wouldn't be surprised to see the Sens add a depth goaltender, I'd sooner think they'd get a tweener: a goalie who'll work primarily in Belleville but could be called up if need be. The team's goaltending depth could use an extra body as they only have Merilainen, Linus Ullmark and Mads Sogaard under contract for next season, with Anton Forsberg possibly testing the market. If Forsberg returns, or if Ottawa adds another body, there's going to be a battle for the Sens' backup spot. But with GM Steve Staios expressing confidence in both Merilainen and Sogaard, it wouldn't be a surprise if Staios just leaned on the Finnish netminder to be his No. 2. (Top photo of the Ottawa Senators: Chris Tanouye / Freestyle Photography / Getty Images)
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ottawa Senators Star Named to Preliminary 2026 Winter Olympic Roster
Ottawa Senators center Tim Stützle has been named to the preliminary roster for Team Germany ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games being co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) announced the first six names on its men's preliminary Olympic roster Monday, in coordination with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the National Hockey League (NHL), the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Advertisement Joining Stützle are fellow NHL stars Leon Draisaitl, Moritz Seider, Philipp Grubauer, Lukas Reichel, and Nico Sturm—a high-end core that reflects Germany's remarkable rise on the international hockey stage. Stützle, 23, is coming off an excellent year with Ottawa, where he led the Senators in scoring for the second time in three seasons. He put up 24 goals and 79 points, helping the club clinch its first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance since 2017. On top of that, he seems to be finding more of a groove in his two-way play. Barring injury, Stützle is a lock for Germany's final roster, which will be determined by the German National Olympic Committee (NOC). This tournament will mark the first true best-on-best Olympic men's hockey competition since Sochi 2014, as NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time in over a decade. Advertisement While Germany's top six, headlined by Draisaitl, Stützle, and Seider, can compete with anyone, the drop-off in depth beyond that group is swift and fierce when compared to powerhouses like Canada and the USA. But Germany can be a dangerous in any given game if their role players and younger talents can rise to the occasion. The Germans won silver at the games in PyeongChang in 2018 in the first of two tournaments that were completely void of active NHL players. The men's tournament will take place from February 11 to 22, 2026, across two venues: the Milano SantaGiulia Ice Hockey Arena (14,000 capacity) and the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena (5,700 capacity). All 12 qualified teams have been divided into three groups of four: Advertisement Group A: Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, France Group B: Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy (host) Group C: United States, Germany, Latvia, Denmark Stutzle and company will face a tough path in Group C, including a monster opponent in the United States. Latvia is always sneaky good with loud fans who travel well. And Denmark just eliminated an NHL star laden Canadian team at this year's Worlds. By Steve Warne The Hockey News Ottawa More Sens Headlines: Senators Bring Back First-Rounder For Second Tour Of Duty Fashionably Late: Top 10 Ottawa Senator Draft Day Steals Why The Notion Of Mitch Marner Signing With Ottawa Wouldn't Work
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NHL Draft Watch: Ottawa Senators Hope To Deal Themselves Another Winner At 21
So far, here in the roaring 20s, the Ottawa Senators' first-round picks at the NHL Draft have been all or nothing. They've either landed in the top 10 or haven't had a first-round pick at all. In 2020, the Senators had three first-rounders, including two in the top five, where they landed franchise pillars, Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson. The following year, they picked 10th overall and selected Tyler Boucher, who had 10 points in 47 AHL games this season. Sens Headlines: Carter Yakemchuk Ranked 26th Overall In Magazine's New NHL Prospect RankingsOttawa Senators Make More Front Office ChangesOttawa Senators Prospect Parts Ways With Organization And Signs Back Home In Sweden Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more. In 2022 and 2023, Ottawa didn't have a first-rounder, having traded those picks in separate deals to acquire Alex DeBrincat and Jakob Chychrun. Then in 2024, they returned to the top 10, drafting defenseman Carter Yakemchuk at 7th overall. This year, it's a happy medium, with the Senators holding the 21st pick. It won't be the first time Ottawa has picked at No. 21. This will actually be the fourth time, and in each previous instance, the Senators ended up with an NHL player. Anton Volchenkov – 2000 We're nearing the 25th anniversary of the Senators drafting Russian defenseman Anton Volchenkov at No. 21 in 2000. Known for his fearless shot-blocking and physical play, Volchenkov debuted with Ottawa two years later and spent seven seasons with the team in its glory years. In 2010, he signed a six-year, $25 million deal with the New Jersey Devils. But with a lot of wear and tear on his body, the Devils bought him out four years in. He wrapped up his NHL career with the Nashville Predators in 2014–15. Stefan Noesen – 2011 Just like in 2020, the Senators had three first-round picks in 2011. They took Mika Zibanejad at No. 6, Matt Puempel at No. 24, and in between, they selected Plymouth Whalers forward Stefan Noesen at No. 21. Two years later, Noesen was part of a trade package sent to Anaheim—along with Jakob Silfverberg and a first-round pick—for Bobby Ryan. Noesen developed slowly, not becoming a full-time NHL player until 2017–18 with the New Jersey Devils, where he scored 27 points in 72 games. After bouncing around as a depth player for a few more years after that, he found his stride with the Carolina Hurricanes for two years, and just had a career-best season back with New Jersey at age 32, scoring 22 goals and 41 points in 78 games. Colin White – 2015 Three picks after selecting Thomas Chabot, the Senators drafted center Colin White at No. 21. The two quickly became close—roommates and friends—with identical birthdays (January 30, 1997). Seen as part of Ottawa's core, both signed long-term contracts in the offseason in 2019. While Chabot's deal is too pricey at $8 million, White's six-year, $28.5 million deal became a much bigger issue. Just three years into the deal, the Senators bought him out. Under the terms of the buyout, Ottawa will be paying him $875,000 annually for each of the next three seasons. In the meantime, he's a half-decent AHL scorer who wasn't able to crack the lineup of the San Jose Sharks, the NHL's worst team. White will be a UFA on July 1st. Sharks To Sign Former First-Round Pick To NHL Deal The San Jose Sharks are in the process of converting forward Colin White's contract to an NHL deal. The general managers of the past – the Twenty One Pilots – were Marshall Johnston (Volchenkov) and Bryan Murray (Noesen and White). This year, it's Steve Staios. Staios and the Senators still have work to do on the roster, both among their top-six forwards and on the blue line. Since so many teams tend to prioritize forwards early in the draft, and considering that Volchenkov remains their best historical pick at No. 21, perhaps it's a sign that it might be a good point in the draft to look to the blue line again. Steve WarneThe Hockey News/Ottawa Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why 2024-25 Was The Best Season Yet For Senators Centre Tim Stützle
Ottawa Senators centre Tim Stützle just enjoyed the best season of his NHL career. It might not look that way on the surface if you look at the back of his hockey card and compare his traditional statistics in 2024-25 against previous seasons. It is not that Timmy's 24 goals and 79 points in 82 games are modest. They represent the second-highest totals in his career, but Stützle's strides in his all-around game made him one of the most valuable forwards in the entire NHL last season. Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more. Evolving-Hockey's 'wins above replacement' (WAR) metric attempts to quantify a player's total contribution as a single value, measured in wins, compared to what a replacement-level player would bring to a team. According to their proprietary WAR data, only three forwards this season posted a higher WAR than Tim Stützle's 3.8. These players are Leon Draisaitl (4.7), Connor McDavid (4.1), and David Pastrnak (3.9). WAR is obviously not an infallible metric. It is a calculated statistic that estimates how much more valuable a player is than a league-average player. In light of that, considering how elite those aforementioned players are, it is pretty good company that Stützle is keeping. HockeyViz's data corroborates Evolving-Hockey's data about Stützle's on-ice impacts, both offensively and defensively. When Juice is on the ice, great things happen for the Senators. The Senators struggled to produce results at five-on-five, but when Stützle was on the ice, the team did a significantly better job generating offensive chances and expected goals with him on the ice than off. Conversely, the same is true regarding the team's ability to suppress the opposition's offence when Stützle is on the ice. In speaking to reporters at his end-of-the-season availability, Stützle believed he made significant defensive improvements this season. "I think my two-way game and trying to be able to play better defensively," the Senators first line centre said. "There are still lots of improvements to be made. There are still lots of errors I can (improve), but I think the most improvements were in my defence game and decision-making." Using Evolving-Hockey's 'total defence' (DEF) metric that combines a player's contributions at five-on-five and while shorthanded into one encapsulating value, the 2024-25 campaign was far and away Stützle's best defensive season. In terms of defensive value created, the only other positive season he had was his sophomore 2021-22 season (0.8 DEF). During the 2024-25 season, he amassed a 4.1 DEF value, more than five times the value of that sophomore campaign. In fact, it was one of the best defensive seasons by a Senators forward in the modern analytics era - ranking amongst staunch defenders like Chris Kelly, Mark Stone, and Erik Condra. For the Senators to ascend the Eastern Conference standings and put themselves into the Stanley Cup contender discussion, they will need their young core's growth to continue. Stützle's ongoing evolution is an integral piece of that puzzle. One of the more impactful lessons of the Senators' first round is how important faceoffs can be. The Next Big Thing? A Glance At How Top Senators Prospect Carter Yakemchuk Fared This Season For Ottawa Senators fans, the sting of their team's first-round elimination is starting to fade. Soon, that disappointment will give way to excitement for the future, and much of that excitement centers around young NHL prospects. Across large sample sizes, there is no significant correlation between winning and losing draws. However, as the Leafs' success in the dot showed, they can be essential situationally. The Maple Leafs scored four goals in just 38 seconds of power-play ice time early in the series because of their ability to win draws cleanly and quickly gain puck possession. In the postseason, Stützle was the only centre on the Senators with a faceoff success rate higher than 50 percent. The Leafs dominance in this facet of the game, however, reinforced how it is an area that Stützle wants to improve upon. "Every single part of my game, I still want to improve, but I think faceoffs was a big point," the Senators centre acknowledged. "I don't even know what my percentage was years before, but it couldn't be too high. "Obviously, the coaching staff didn't trust me taking those responsible faceoffs. I want to be a guy who can take those faceoffs and be on the ice in those moments. (The coaches) showed me what I've got to do to (improve) and win more faceoffs. Obviously, you can't trust a guy whose faceoff percentage is 35 percent, and you have another guy whose faceoff percentage is 57. You're obviously taking the guy with 57. We have a lot of good faceoff guys on the team, so that motivates me to get better." Interestingly, another area where Stützle wanted to improve was on the offensive side of the puck. Given his skill set and near point-per-game production, it would be easy to believe that component would be the one he would be most comfortable with. That is not the case, as Tim explained. "In the offensive zone, knowing when to shoot and when to pass, I've struggled a little bit with that this year," he admitted. "I had a lot of scoring chances throughout games where I couldn't really capitalize. "Sometimes it's bounces, and sometimes it's just picking a better spot. I'm going to try and get better at that - just knowing when to shoot and picking my spots. That's really important, and it's going to help me continue to get better." The numbers corroborate Stützle's indecision. Although his five-on-five goals per 60 rate (G/60) was the third-highest of his career per NaturalStatTrick, many of Stützle's underlying rates plummeted. Stützle's Individual Five-on-five per 60 minutes of ice time rates: Shots on goal: 5.43 (lowest of career) Shots (iCF/60): 9.99 (lowest of career) Scoring chances (iSCF/60): 6.12 (lowest of career) High-danger chances (iHDCF/60): 2.64 (second-lowest of career) An emphasis on playing responsible defensive hockey without cheating for offence could certainly hamper those numbers, but it is fair to point out that in many instances this season, the Senators prioritized shot quality over quantity. After scoring 39 goals during the 2022-23 season, assuming he can flirt with that benchmark every year is unreasonable. That season, he combined his highest volume of shots (228) with his career-best shooting percentage (17.1) to produce his best offensive season. Stützle acknowledged dealing with some wrist injuries over the past few seasons when discussing faceoffs, so they probably negatively impacted his ability, or willingness, to shoot the puck. Despite the injuries, he is still a career 13.2 percent shooter, including a 14.8 percent success rate in 2024-25, so he can still fire it. Even if his future shooting percentages stay closer to his career norm, he can be more productive by playing more selfishly and shooting the puck more. Graeme NicholsThe Hockey News - Ottawa Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more.
