Ottawa Senators Centre Tim Stützle Clarifies Why He Switched Agents, Says Rumours "Are Not True at All"

When Ottawa Senators star Tim Stützle switched his representation at the end of August, it raised many eyebrows.

On the surface, the timing felt weird because he was only one season into the eight-year, $66.8 million pact ($8.35 million AAV) that he signed on September 7, 2022. His pact expires at the end of the 2030-31 season, when Stützle is 29 years old.

Puckpedia announced the change in a tweet, prompting unfounded speculation from the hockey community on what would lead the player to leave Ben Hankinson at Octagon to sign with Claude Lemieux at 4sports Hockey.

Speaking to the assembled media at the Senators Community Foundation Charity Open this morning, Stützle dispelled the notion that the change had anything to do with a desire to leave this city and organization.

"It's a really long story," Stützle said. "First, I want to say I'm really thankful for what they did for me. I saw a little bit of rumours you guys put out there. It's not true at all. I love being in Ottawa and I would not be somewhere else. It's not why I switched agents. It's a different situation where it's been going on in Germany for a while now and I just want to get that fixed. (Moritz) Seider has been with (Lemieux) for a long time and he's really happy. So, that was my most important thing. (It) has nothing to do with Ottawa."

The rumours never emanated from the local media, but social media can be a cesspool for fueling unfounded theories.

What makes a lot of sense is that 4sports Hockey, a company founded by Peter Forsberg and the aforementioned Lemieux, exists to help its clients through their networks and partners to provide them with the tools they need to successfully grow their worth on and off the ice.

The company outlines its philosophy on its website:

"4sports’ philosophy is to ensure players have the resources they need, on and off the ice, to accomplish their goals. To be an active partner in each client’s development. To guide, direct and improve every player’s chance of achieving their potential and having the best possible career."

4sports offers their players career planning, video analysis, skill camps, personal training, nutrition and mental coaching for their on-ice development. On the business side, 4sports provides information on banking, tax consulting, wealth management, retirement planning, and endorsement opportunities.

As one of the league's youngest and most skilled players, it would make sense for the German-born Stützle to capitalize on his marketability and seek high-profile endorsements. If Stützle felt that Octagon was not living up to those expectations, it would make sense for him to look at alternatives -- especially when one of his closest friends, Moritz Seider, is already under the 4sports umbrella and recommending their services.

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