Lutz brings a direct, physical style that could help him compete for a depth role, but the fantasy upside looks quite limited. He plays with decent pace, pressures defenders, and can contribute some hits and blocks, yet the offensive production through nearly 100 AHL games has not shown much reason to expect a meaningful scoring role at the NHL level. Unless there is an unexpected jump with the puck, he projects more as a fringe depth option than a player likely to hold regular fantasy value.

During one summer evening in June, Lutz was enjoying a meal with longtime friend JJ Peterka. After Peterka got up to answer an urgent call, he came back with exciting news for Lutz. “Brother,” he said to Lutz. “We’re on the same team.”

Lutz spent the summer training in Munich with Peterka and fellow Utah prospect Maksymillian Szuber. The three hope to not only play in Utah together but also in the 2026 Winter Olympics for Germany. Unfortunately, Lutz saw himself an early cut from Utah camp and will at least start the year in Tucson. The young forward had a trying first campaign in the Utah organization. He did not show much offense and missed nine weeks of time with an injury that really threw off his game. Lutz feels he really improved his skating this past summer and wants to show more consistency. Expect Lutz to be better in 2025-26 and earn a much bigger role with Tucson.

In an encouraging sign in his development, Lutz played his rookie season with Tucson of the AHL. In a less encouraging sign, he managed 13 points in 47 games. There’s more behind the numbers of course. Lutz would be behind several veterans on the depth chart and didn’t see as much ice time as he acclimated to pro hockey as the incumbents. He took less than a shot per game and also only shot 2.9%, which is bound to positively regress, and his shot totals are bound to climb. Lutz likely finds a spot on an NHL team on the third line, and perhaps the second powerplay if things roll well for him. He’s worth a speculative stash on your squad as a member of a young Arizona squad that will look for bottom six players to compliment the young stars up top like Guenther and Cooley. If your league is shallower, then he might be replacement level, and not worth rostering.

Lutz finished as one of the top scorers in the USHL with 24 goals and 68 points in 50 games for Green Bay. He finished with the most power-play assists with 22. It was refreshing to see Lutz flex his offensive game after a few years of injuries and playing a secondary role in the DEL. As of right now its undetermined where he will play 2024-25. Lutz could still sign his ELC, he might even still go the college route, or maybe another season in Green Bay.