Tim Stutzle: 2020 NHL Draft Odds and Predictions

Tim Stutzle is the wildcard of this year’s NHL draft. He’s the number one rated European skater according to NHL Central Scouting and overall anywhere between second and fifth pick at this year’s NHL draft.

Stutzle is a natural centre, but has played left wing this season for the Adler Mannheim Eagles in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Now he has a chance to become the highest ever German-born pick in the NHL draft. Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, who led the NHL in scoring before the postponement of the season, currently holds that distinction – he was taken third overall in 2014.

Stutzle is 6-foot-1, 187 pounds and scored 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists) in 41 games for the defending German champions. His style of play has been compared to Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and TSN’s Craig Button compares him to another NHL star. “He’s pure excitement and plays the game in a similar fashion to Patrick Kane,” Button said. “He’s quick on his skates and has a fast mind. He’s extremely confident and manages to do things in the game offensively that are completely unexpected.”

One thing that is different than any of the other skaters ranked this high, is the fact that he plays in a men’s pro league which should intrigue a lot of teams. One European scout agrees with Button saying, “Stutzle is an excellent skater who combines high-end speed with incredible quickness. He also has quick hands which make him dangerous in one-on-one situations. Eagles Director of North American scouting Todd Hlushko says he would be surprised if Stutzle doesn’t play on an NHL roster this upcoming season.

With Stutzle likely heading to the Nation’s Capital, the future is looking bright on the Senators rebuild. Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot and Colin White are already developing in the league and the Sens will add to that core with the third and fifth selections in this year’s draft.

Projection:

3rd – Ottawa Senators