Thursday Links, News, and Notes: Stuetzle Leads Germany to the Quarterfinals
Plus some unexpected news from a former Senators’ defensemen.
Hope you all are staying safe and enjoying the World Juniors! Let’s dive right into some updates from the Ottawa Senators and elsewhere in the hockey world.
- It was the Tim Stuetzle show at the WJC yesterday, as the 3rd overall pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft put up two goals and three assists in a 5-4 Germany victory over Switzerland that secured a berth in the quarterfinals. Stuetzle is now up to 10 points in 4 games, tied for the tournament lead with linemate J.J. Peterka and American forward Trevor Zegras. Here are some highlights from yesterday’s game, courtesy of @SensProspects:/
🇩🇪🚨 Stuetzle is something special. 4th goal of the tournament #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/UArHElJGiA
— Sens Prospects (@SensProspects) December 30, 2020
🇩🇪🍎 Stuetzle puts one off the post before setting up Germany's 3rd goal of the game, picking up his 3rd point of the night in the process - this kid seems pretty good! #WorldJuniors
— Sens Prospects (@SensProspects) December 30, 2020
via @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/Ynh6yTZSZA
🇩🇪🚨 Stuetzle's 2nd goal and 4th point of the game puts Germany up 4-0. He might just be the Sens' saviour #WorldJuniors
— Sens Prospects (@SensProspects) December 31, 2020
via @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/5Mj6rdBleJ
- After finally completing Stuetzle’s entry-level deal last week, the Senators signed another one of their first-round picks from the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, 28th-overall pick Ridly Greig./
News Release: The #Sens have signed forward Ridly Greig to a three-year, entry-level contract: https://t.co/8SjUGSDyNl pic.twitter.com/x0tpN2sBaf
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 29, 2020
Greig was invited to Team Canada’s World Juniors Selection Camp this year but unfortunately had to withdraw due to testing positive for COVID-19. The forward is still recovering, and once healthy, he’ll look to build off a strong draft season with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings in which he scored 26 goals and 34 assists in 56 games.
- Training camp opens tomorrow for the Senators, and you’ll be able to tune in to Pierre Dorion’s media availability at 9:00 am on TSN 1200./
UPDATE: Slight correction, the team’s first on-ice session began earlier today, and you can catch Dorion’s interview here.
- Many assumed that Zdeno Chara’s career would end with a second stint with Ottawa the Boston Bruins, regardless of whether or not he’d retire this year. To everyone’s surprise, he’ll be playing with a different NHL team in 2021:/
OFFICIAL! BIG Z TO DC!
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 30, 2020
The Washington Capitals have agreed to terms with defenseman Zdeno Chara to a one-year, $795,000 contract.
Full Details: https://t.co/1Pqb61mP5q#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Ad50bX7LvA
The 43-year-old blueliner will join his fourth club after the Bruins made the decision to stick with a younger defence group, featuring Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelyck. Washington will look for Chara to provide leadership and depth on the left point at an affordable price.
- Another former Senator has signed a new contract as Derick Brassard effectively replaces Derek Stepan as Arizona’s 3rd line centre. Would’ve been cool to see a reunion with Ottawa, I’m sure he would’ve agreed to a return to the nation’s capital if he was willing to sign with the Coyotes.
- We’ve got an AHL season! At least for now. Although it’s very much subject to change, NHL.com’s Patrick Williams confirmed an agreement by the Board of Governors for a February 5th start date, which is of course great news for the prospects. /