Tim Stützle

Tim Stützle (surname alternately spelled Stuetzle; born 15 January 2002) is a German hockey player playing for Adler Mannheim in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). He is a natural centre who can also play on the wing. As one of the top prospects available for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, he was selected third overall by the Ottawa Senators.

Playing career
Stützle played junior hockey for the Krefelder EV 1981. He was the top scorer on his team for the 2015–16 season. In the 2017–18 season, Stützle transferred to Jungadler Mannheim, scoring 18 goals and 29 assists.

Despite originally committing to play hockey at the University of New Hampshire, and being selected by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the 2019 CHL Import Draft, Stützle opted to remain in Germany, and signed a three-year contract with Adler Mannheim in June 2019. He made his professional debut at the age of 17 in the Champions Hockey League opening round on 30 August 2019 against the Vienna Capitals.

On 6 October 2020, Stützle was selected in the first-round, 3rd overall, in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, which they previously acquired in a 2018 trade with the San Jose Sharks that sent defenceman Erik Karlsson to San Jose. The pick was notably announced by Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, who revealed the selection with a mock Jeopardy! question and answer done in the style of the show.

International play
Stützle was selected as the best player on Team Germany at the end of the first qualifying match against Kazakhstan in the 2020 World Junior Championships. He had five assists during the tournament, and averaged 18 minutes ice time in five games, and was an A-rated skater.