'He's going to be a problem' - Sheffield Steelers add former New York Rangers forward for 2026-27
AARON FOX expects former New York Rangers forward Tim Gettinger to cause “problems” for Elite League opponents after agreeing to join Sheffield Steelers.
The 28-year-old American has an impressive resume after being a fifth round draft pick for NHL giants the Rangers back in 2016.
He got to play in the world’s biggest league on 16 occasions, forging his career in the second-tier American Hockey League with the Rangers’ affiliate, Hartford Wolf Pack.
After eight years with the Rangers’ organisation he secured a move to AHL rivals Grand Rapids Griffins where he played for two years before making the move to Europe and Schwenninger Wild Wings in Germany’s DEL.
He endured a frustrating start to his time in Germany’s top tier after getting injured in his first game but eventually recovered, returning to action to play 36 league and play-off games, contributing five goals and three assists.
The capture of Gettinger means Steelers’ head coach Fox has now completed putting his forward group together for the 2026-27 Elite League campaign as he goes about trying to secure a first piece of silverware since the Steelers won the league, Challenge Cup and play-off treble back in 2023-24.
And he believes the addition of a high-end forward like Gettinger gives him a better chance of success.
“Tim is a very, very good player,” said Fox. “He is still only 28 years old, he averaged a half a point a game at American League level - I think one season it was almost a point per game.
“His size and skating set him apart, he closes quick, he’s a great 200-foot player and he can play centre and wing.
“There's some soft skill in offence in his game too. So I think at our level he's going to be a problem. We'll find him a couple of line mates that suit his style and game and I really think he'll be a premium two-way player in our league.
“In Germany, he got injured in his first game and I think that set him back a bit there but all of his North American career has been spent between the AHL and NHL - so he brings a tremendous amount of experience and a high compete level.
"He's spent a lot of time as a net-front presence on the power play and has always been a high-end penalty killer. He's the final forward to join our group, and I'm really looking forward to working with all of them.”
Gettinger has picked up as much as he can from friends and former team-mates on what the Elite League has to offer and believes now is the right time to make the move to the UK, for both personal and professional reasons.
“I've been aware of the league in the UK for some time and what a strong reputation the Steelers have,” said the 6ft 6ins forward.
“Aaron reached out to me and told me all about the club, the city and what the organisation is all about. After talking everything through with my wife, we both felt it was a great opportunity and we're looking forward to making the move.
"One of the biggest things that attracted me was the family culture around the club. Aaron spoke about the players, the staff and the fans, and how everyone makes you feel welcome.
“With a newborn baby, that kind of thing is really important. We wanted somewhere we'd feel comfortable and felt like home.
"I like to be reliable all over the ice. I'm a 200-foot player who takes pride in being strong defensively, using my size and reach, but I also want to contribute offensively, get to the hard areas and play a physical game.”