Tim Gettinger Bio
Timothy Gettinger is an American professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for Schwenninger Wild Wings of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) in Germany. Born on April 14, 1998, in North Olmsted, Ohio, he was selected by the New York Rangers in the fifth round, 141st overall, of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Before moving to North American professional hockey, Gettinger served as captain of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
A tall, physical winger, Gettinger began his professional career in 2018 and spent the next seven seasons competing primarily in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL). After his contract with the Detroit Red Wings expired, he chose to continue his career abroad by signing with Schwenninger Wild Wings on July 30, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Timothy Gettinger was born and raised in North Olmsted, Ohio, a suburb located west of Cleveland. Growing up in a region with a strong youth hockey tradition, he developed his early skills in the Cleveland area, where he first played midget-level hockey with the Cleveland Barons program. His size and skating ability quickly made him stand out among his peers, drawing the attention of junior scouts at a young age.
Gettinger’s progression through the Cleveland hockey system gave him the foundation he needed to make the jump to major junior hockey. His combination of size, reach, and skating made him an attractive prospect for teams in the Ontario Hockey League, and he was eventually selected by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He left home as a teenager to pursue his dream of reaching the NHL.
Path to Hockey
Gettinger joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL for the 2014–15 season, where he made an immediate impact as a 16-year-old. In his rookie year, he scored 10 goals while adjusting to the pace and physicality of major junior hockey. The following season, 2015–16, he took a significant step forward, finishing with 17 goals and 39 points in 60 games and establishing himself as one of the Greyhounds’ top offensive threats.
On June 24, 2016, Gettinger entered the NHL Entry Draft as the 65th-ranked North American skater. He was selected 141st overall by the New York Rangers, who saw long-term potential in his blend of size, speed, and offensive upside. On March 16, 2017, the Rangers signed him to a three-year entry-level contract, and on October 12, 2017, he was named captain of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, a reflection of the leadership he had shown in junior hockey.
Tim Gettinger Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Gettinger began the 2018–19 season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, the Rangers’ top developmental affiliate. He was recalled to the NHL on November 23, 2018, after forward Mats Zuccarello suffered an injury, and he made his NHL debut with the Rangers the following day. After appearing in one game, he was briefly returned to Hartford before being recalled again the next day as the Rangers dealt with additional injuries.
Over his first few professional seasons, Gettinger continued to split time between the Rangers and the Wolf Pack, working to refine his game and earn a more permanent role at the NHL level. He became a steady contributor in Hartford, where his size and physical style of play made him a difficult matchup in the AHL.
New York Rangers Tenure (2018–2023)
Gettinger spent five seasons within the New York Rangers organization, splitting his time between the NHL roster and the Hartford Wolf Pack. On July 22, 2022, the Rangers signed him to a one-year, two-way contract extension for the 2022–23 season. That year, he posted 13 goals and 22 assists in 52 games with Hartford, cementing his role as a reliable AHL producer.
While he appeared in only a limited number of NHL contests with the Rangers, Gettinger remained a valued member of the organization because of his leadership, work ethic, and physical presence. His time in the system allowed him to develop his two-way game and adjust to the speed required at the highest level of professional hockey.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2023–2025)
On July 1, 2023, Gettinger signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He joined the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and continued to provide scoring and physicality on the wing. On March 11, 2024, the Red Wings rewarded his consistency by re-signing him to a one-year, two-way contract extension.
Gettinger’s tenure with the Red Wings organization allowed him to experience a new franchise environment and broaden his professional development. After seven seasons competing in North America, he made the decision to take his game overseas.
Schwenninger Wild Wings Era (2025–Present)
On July 30, 2025, at the conclusion of his contract with the Detroit Red Wings, Gettinger signed a one-year contract with Schwenninger Wild Wings of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany. The move marked his first professional experience outside of North America and introduced him to a new style of play in one of Europe’s top professional leagues.
The transition to the DEL offered Gettinger the opportunity to expand his game, experience a different hockey culture, and take on a featured role with his new club. His size and offensive instincts made him a logical fit for Schwenninger’s roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tim Gettinger plays a power-forward style built around his 6’6″ frame, strong reach, and ability to protect the puck along the boards. He is most effective when using his size to win battles in the offensive zone, drive the net, and create space for linemates. His combination of scoring touch and physical play makes him a versatile contributor in both even-strength and special-teams situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gettinger’s most notable early milestone came when he was selected 141st overall by the New York Rangers in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly afterward, he was named captain of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, one of the highest honors in major junior hockey. His NHL debut with the Rangers on November 24, 2018, was another defining moment, marking the realization of a lifelong dream that began on the rinks of Cleveland.
Tim Gettinger Career Wins
Tim Gettinger’s career has been defined by steady progression through multiple top leagues rather than headline championship victories. His achievements include a captaincy with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers, and productive offensive seasons in the AHL with both the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Grand Rapids Griffins.
OHL and AHL Highlights
In the OHL, Gettinger improved his production each season, finishing his draft year with 17 goals and 39 points in 60 games. He also represented the Greyhounds as captain during the 2017–18 season, a clear sign of his standing among his peers. In the AHL, his most productive statistical season came in 2022–23 with the Hartford Wolf Pack, when he recorded 13 goals and 22 assists in 52 games.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his time in the OHL and AHL, Gettinger has earned recognition for his consistent two-way play, physical presence, and leadership qualities. His signing with Schwenninger Wild Wings in 2025 represented a significant career accomplishment, validating his standing as a respected professional forward at the international level.
Tim Gettinger Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Timothy Gettinger grew up in North Olmsted, Ohio, where he developed his hockey skills in the Cleveland area. Public information about his immediate family, including his parents and any relatives who played sports, is not widely documented.
Personal Life
Gettinger has kept much of his personal life private. He has not publicly disclosed details about a spouse, partner, or children, and there are no verified reports regarding his marital status. His professional focus has remained the central theme of his public profile.
2025 Season Performance
Tim Gettinger’s 2025 season marks his first full campaign with Schwenninger Wild Wings of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. After concluding his time in the Detroit Red Wings organization, he joined a new club in one of Europe’s most competitive professional leagues, adjusting to different rules, a faster pace, and a fresh locker-room environment.
As a tall, experienced winger with North American training, Gettinger was expected to bring physicality, depth scoring, and leadership to the Schwenninger Wild Wings lineup. His AHL track record, including 13 goals and 22 assists in 52 games during the 2022–23 season, suggested he could produce at the DEL level as well.
Looking ahead, the 2025–26 DEL season represents an important opportunity for Gettinger to establish himself abroad and showcase his skills in a new hockey market. If he performs well in Germany, additional international opportunities could follow as he continues his professional career in Europe.