Six Ottawa Senators Players Set to Compete at Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics
As the Winter Olympics approach in Milano-Cortina, Italy, the Ottawa Senators are proudly sending six of their players to represent their countries on the international stage. This marks a significant moment for the franchise, with a full starting lineup of three forwards, two defencemen, and one goalie making the journey across the Atlantic.
A Diverse Group of International Talent
The six Senators players heading to the Olympics represent four different nations: two Americans, two Danes, one Finn, and one German. This diverse group will trade their Sens jerseys for their national colors when the men's hockey tournament begins on Wednesday. With NHL players returning to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014, this will be a brand new experience for all six Ottawa athletes.
Tim Stützle: Germany's Rising Star
The ultra-talented 24-year-old forward Tim Stützle will help lead what many consider Germany's best hockey team ever assembled. Alongside NHL stars like Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers and Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings, Stützle has been instrumental in ushering in a new era of relevance for German hockey on the international stage.
Stützle will need to replicate his outstanding performance from the 2021 World Junior Championship, where he was named the tournament's top player after recording 10 points in just five games. Since that breakout performance, Stützle has developed into a remarkably well-rounded NHL player. While he continues to dazzle offensively with his speed, edge work, and silky hands, he has also become extremely committed defensively and is now one of Ottawa's better penalty killers.
Expect Stützle to play significant minutes for Germany, potentially exceeding 27 minutes per game across all situations. Fans can catch him in action during the preliminary round with games against Denmark on Thursday, February 12 at 3:10 p.m. ET, Latvia on Saturday, February 14 at 6:10 a.m. ET, and the United States on Sunday, February 15 at 3:10 p.m. ET.
Brady Tkachuk: Living the American Dream
Sens captain Brady Tkachuk has been dreaming about this Olympic opportunity for years. The 26-year-old forward demonstrated his international capabilities at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, where he scored three goals and played with relentless physicality. Tkachuk and his older brother Matthew frequently discuss the Olympics on their Wingmen podcast, inspired by their father Keith's international success and driven by their unwavering patriotism.
With 36 points in 36 games for the Senators this season, Tkachuk is poised to play his heart out for Team USA. His trademark physical, wrecking-ball style of play has been inconsistent since returning from thumb surgery in late November, but the Olympic stage could bring out his best performance yet.
Complete Senators Olympic Contingent
The Ottawa Senators' Olympic delegation represents a significant portion of their roster and showcases the team's international depth. In addition to Stützle and Tkachuk, the group includes other key players who will be competing for their respective countries. This Olympic appearance provides these athletes with valuable international experience that could translate to improved performance when they return to NHL action.
The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics present a unique opportunity for these six Senators to showcase their skills on hockey's biggest international stage while representing their home countries with pride and determination.
