Felix Schutz has a great name for hockey; his last name is pronounced "SHOOT-z" and that's just what fans hope he will do a lot of this season. The Sabres selected Schutz in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2006 Entry Draft and signed him to an entry-level contract on May 7, 2008.

"Felix is a great competitor who plays at a high skill level," said Sabres' GM Darcy Regier. "His experience in both the QMJHL and German Elite League last season has rounded his game perfectly for the professional level."

Schutz, a native of Erding, Germany, played for ERC Ingolstadt of the German Elite League (DEL) during the 2007-08 season. The forward was the youngest player on the team and recorded 25 points (12 goals and 13 assists) in 46 games. He was named the league's Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

Prior to returning home to play in the German Elite League, Schutz split the 2006-07 season between Saint John and Val-d'or of the QMJHL. He recorded 96 points (40 goals and 56 assists) in 110 games with the two teams. Schutz also gained international hockey experience representing Germany in both the 2007 World Junior Championships and 2007 World Championships. He recorded five goals and three assists in just six games during the World Junior Championships.

Schutz first came to play hockey in North America during the 2005-06 season and made a great first impression. He could not speak a word of English when he arrived, but his performance on the ice did all the talking for him. In his first season with Saint John, he tallied 21 goals and 31 assists in 65 games.

"Schutz is a slick skater with great playmaking ability. He will dispense the puck more regularly than shooting, but his shot is quick and accurate. He also brings a fairly hard-nosed style of play, working hard in the corners and mixing it up physically if need be." (Hockeysfuture.com)

To read a Sabres Q&A with Felix Schutz, click here.



Check back Friday, September 19th for our next prospect profile, Mike Weber...