Ottawa Senators prospect Tim Stuetzle is set to undergo surgery after suffering a broken arm while training with his German club.
The Mannheim Eagles made the announcement Tuesday before the Senators provided more details in a statement.
“In consultation with doctors in Germany and with our own medical staff, it has been determined that Tim requires a surgical procedure to stabilize a fracture,” Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion said. “The procedure is scheduled to take place in Germany later this week and has an expected recovery time of six to eight weeks.
“Our medical staff will remain in regular contact with Tim and his doctors as he begins his recovery through to the point that he is medically cleared.”
Mannheim GM Jan-Axel Alavaara told Postmedia that Stuetzle would have surgey Thursday.
The team added the forward, who was selected third overall by Ottawa at last week’s NHL draft, was hurt Monday. It’s unclear if the injury occurred on or off the ice.
WATCH | Alex Trebek announces Tim Stuetzle 3rd overall:
Alex Trebek, the host of ‘Jeopardy!’ and University of Ottawa graduate, announces that the Senators selected Tim Stuetzle as the 3rd overall pick of the 2020 NHL draft. 0:58
Stuetzle had seven goals and 34 points in 41 games with Mannheim in 2019-20 and was named rookie of the year in the country’s top professional league. He added five assists in five games at the world junior hockey championship in the Czech Republic.
The six-foot-one, 187-pound winger, who can also play down the middle, was one of three first-round picks made by the rebuilding Senators in the pandemic-delayed 2020 draft. Ottawa selected defenceman Jake Sanderson at No. 5 and centre Ridly Greig at No. 28.
Stuetzle is also the third German-trained player to be drafted in the top-6, matching 2020 Hart Trophy winner Leon Draisaitl’s selection at No. 3 by Edmonton six years ago.
“I want to win Cups in Ottawa, and I want to play in the NHL as fast as I can,” added Stuetzle, who admitted with a smile he doesn’t watch “Jeopardy!”
The NHL is aiming to start next season on Jan. 1, which should give Stuetzle enough recovery time ahead of training camp.
WATCH | Rangers make Alexis Lafreniere top pick:
Alexis Lafrenière from Saint-Eustache, Que., is chosen by the New York Rangers as the first overall pick of the 2020 NHL draft. 0:27