Ottawa Senators: Early 2020 Entry Draft Predictions
By James Reeve
First Round, Pick One
Forward. Adler Mannheim, DEL. Tim Stützle. 4. 91. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player
The very first selection that the Senators will make could prove to be the most important in this stage of the rebuild.
In this mock draft, with the fourth-overall pick, the Ottawa Senators should select German forward Tim Stützle, who has been excelling in the top league of his home country, despite only recently turning 18 years old.
The left-handed forward stands at a decent 6-foot, 187lbs and has largely been used as a winger since turning pro, but has experience as a centre throughout his juniors career, making him a truly intriguing and versatile option for the organisation.
In 28 regular-season games in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the top tier in Germany, Stützle has six goals and 27 total points to his name with just ten penalty minutes.
Considered by some to be battling Lucas Raymond for the third-overall spot ahead of this year’s draft, Stützle has seen his stock rise with an impressive start to the season and an impressive showing in Germany’s appearance during the recent World Junior Championships, where he registered five assists in five games for his country.
Viewed as a guaranteed top-five prospect by many outlets, the Senators could take advantage of the recent influx of impressive German prospects that look to be ready to take the next step in their development.
Drafting Stützle out of Germany, a country that is beginning to produce some truly stellar players such as Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider, would allow the Sens to place him in the AHL immediately and allow him the opportunity to develop his game in North America before bringing him into the NHL roster.
His progress in the North American game will determine how quickly he transitions into the NHL, but it is looking as if this will be sooner rather than later.