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Lutz Excited to Continue Development at Rookie Faceoff Tournament

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Julian Lutz may be new to the Coyotes organization, but he’s already surrounded by familiar faces.

Lutz, who the Coyotes selected in the second round (43rd overall) in July’s NHL Draft, has split his time between the United States and Germany this summer. Upon his selection during day two of the draft, he was still busy making the rounds when he spotted a familiar name on the board: Maksymilian Szuber.

The 18-year-old winger did a quick doubletake, and once he confirmed Szuber, his friend and teammate, was selected by Arizona in the sixth round, he was thrilled.

Just like that, there was a sense of familiarity during a brand-new experience.

“Right away I called him, and I was really hyped, and now I think it makes things a little bit easier,” Lutz said. “We can fly together and we can enjoy the time together, and experience everything together. 

“Sometimes he can help me, and I can help him.”

Both Lutz and Szuber will participate alongside fellow prospects in this week’s rookie tournament, which kicks off Friday in San Jose. The Coyotes start the tourney against the Vegas Golden Knights at 4:30 pm on Friday, and will also play the Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche during the weekend.

Lutz, a native of Weingarten, Germany, recorded three points in 14 games with ECH Red Bull München last season. He participated in the Coyotes’ rookie development camp in mid-July, but returned home shortly thereafter to continue training.

Though he suffered a minor lower-body injury in practice, he’s already back to 100 percent, and recorded an assist in his first game back, a 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava on Saturday in the Champions Hockey League tournament.

“I’m healthy again,” Lutz said. “I’m ready to play and I’m hungry.”

Lutz’s return to the United States this summer follows his initial participation in the aforementioned rookie development camp, which he said was a great experience. He and his fellow prospects spent the week learning skills, both on and off the ice, and in addition to getting to spend more time with Szuber, Lutz roomed with forward Jack McBain who has already spent time in the NHL.

He learned a lot during that week, and said he is excited to apply those lessons to the upcoming tournament.

“I learned about the culture out there, how competitive everyone is, and how professional everyone is,” Lutz said. “I think everything I learned could really help my game continue to grow, and I’m getting better.”

This weekend’s rookie tournament is another chance for Lutz to continue the growth he’s experienced since the draft, which he said was a moment he’ll “remember for my whole life.”

Now in the past, though, he’s got his sights set on helping his teammates and fellow prospects succeed in San Jose.

“I’m going to have a lot of fun, be really competitive, and just show what I can do, trust in whatever I can do,” Lutz said. “At the end of the day, just have a lot of fun, enjoy everything, and gain a lot of experience.”

Once rookie camp concludes, Lutz plans to continue his development in Munich. If all goes well he hopes to start playing hockey in North America next year.

This weekend, though, may just leave a lasting impression on the 2022 draft pick.

“Getting a chance to wear the (Coyotes) jersey and play some games, I think some fun times are ahead,” Lutz said. “I’m excited. I think they have big goals for the future, and I want to be part of that.”





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