Tim Stutzle squashes rumors of trade from Ottawa Senators arising from agency change

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Sep 10, 2024 05:40 GMT

Tim Stutzle addressed rumors about a possible trade from the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. He explained that his decision to switch player agencies had nothing to do with leaving the team.

"I love being in Ottawa, and I would not be somewhere else,” Stutzle said per Sportsnet “It’s a different situation with what’s been going on in Germany for a while now and I just want to get that fixed."

Stutzle, who battled injuries last season, said he spent the summer recovering and now feels ready for the new season. He missed time due to wrist and shoulder injuries, which impacted his play last year. After a strong 90-point season in 2022-23, he dropped to 70 points last season, mainly because he couldn’t shoot well. Now fully healthy, Stutzle is eager to return to form.

Stutzle also mentioned that he had productive talks with new head coach Travis Green during the summer. Both have high expectations for the upcoming season.

"He expects a lot and I expect a lot of myself as well,” Stutzle said about Green. “I think I’ve always put a lot of pressure on myself and I just want to be the best I can be. I think he wants me to do that as well."

The Senators have missed the playoffs for seven straight years, but there is optimism for this season. The team hopes the new additions will provide the depth and toughness needed to succeed.

Tim Stutzle changed agents in late August

In the last week of August, Tim Stutzle changed agents. He moved from Ben Hankinson at Octagon to Claude Lemieux at 4sports Hockey. This decision raised some speculation of a potential trade out of Ottawa.

Lemieux, a former NHL player, also represents Stutzle’s close friend Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings. The two have been friends for over a decade and train together in Germany. It is likely they discussed their experiences with their agents, which may have influenced Stutzle’s decision.

Despite the switch, Stutzle has a solid eight-year, $8.35 million per year contract. So for now, he will be worried about returning to his top form and bouncing back this season. With seven years left on his deal, Stutzle is set on helping the Senators succeed, while Lemieux will manage his business affairs.