Stutzle Opens Up About Future In Ottawa

It looks like everything is coming together for the Ottawa Senators after some tough years rebuilding. They traded for Alex DeBrincat and Cam Talbot while signing Claude Giroux to really bolster their lineup. But in terms of keeping the talent around, there is some good news on the Tim Stutzle front

On 32 Thoughts, Stutzle said "I love Ottawa, I love the city, I love the guys...I'm really committed to signing long-term maybe and I'm going to be looking forward to joining them for a long time there." Ottawa hasn't always been the most sought after destination, but they are hoping to change that and keep their top drafted players around and create a competitive team.

Dorion - There has been discussion with both Stutzle and Zub about extensions.

— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) August 26, 2022

In Stutzle's first two NHL seasons, he's taken big steps. The former third overall pick played nearly three minutes more per game, is a certain top-six player, and will likely shift to center full-time this season. He scored 22 goals and 58 points as a 19-year-old. He isn't even near his prime and has the potential to be a point per game player within the next season or two.

Stutzle's entry-level contract is up after the 2022-23 season. As the funds are available right now and he is already proving he will be a top player in the league soon, the Senators would be wise to lock him up to a long-term contract as soon as possible. Contract negotiations can already begin, but the team is likely waiting to see what steps forward the young forward takes in his third season.

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