Tim Stützle Reflects on Senators’ Mistake to Let Michael Amadio Go

Michael Amadio’s journey in the NHL has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by his impressive consistency as a winger for the Ottawa Senators. Over the last three seasons, Amadio has maintained a steady output, recording exactly 27 points each year. However, this season has taken a significant turn, as he’s reached new heights just weeks shy of his 30th birthday by surpassing the 30-point mark and netting a crucial third-period goal in Saturday’s 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Currently in the second year of a three-year contract with the Senators, Amadio’s $2.6 million salary is a testament to his value, especially considering his reliability in various game situations. His contributions on the ice have not gone unnoticed, particularly by teammate Tim Stützle, who fondly remembers Amadio’s initial stint with the Senators during the 2020-21 season. Acquired from Los Angeles for defenceman Christian Wolanin, Amadio joined Ottawa just as Stützle was wrapping up his rookie campaign.

“Nothing against the (former) management, but (Amadio) was a pretty good player, and we traded him away,” Stützle reflected when discussing Amadio’s return. “I was able to play on his line when he came in. We actually had a really good game, and then the next day he was traded. So I was really excited for him coming back (in 2024).” Stützle added that Amadio is “really underrated,” praising his skills, especially his ability to create space for teammates and perform well in penalty-killing situations.

Amadio’s consistency and reliability have drawn comparisons to Nick Paul, a former junior teammate. Coaches value such dependability, and during a recent crucial 3-2 win over the New York Islanders, Amadio led all Senators forwards in ice time, clocking in at 20:13. When asked about Amadio’s impact, head coach Travis Green stated, “Yeah, Ammo’s one of those players. He just quietly brings a good game a lot of nights. He’s very smart. He’s got a real good stick, he can intercept passes well, and he’s got good hockey sense. He’s a nice player for us to have for sure.”

While Stützle’s recollection about Amadio’s departure from Ottawa was slightly off—Amadio was not traded but rather not qualified by former GM Pierre Dorion—his current success with the Senators speaks volumes. After a brief stint with the Leafs and a championship run with the Golden Knights in 2023, Amadio is back in Ottawa, contributing significantly as the team fights for a playoff spot. Five years ago, the Senators may not have fully recognized his potential, but today, they are grateful to have him on their roster.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.