Just like that, there was a sense of familiarity during a brand-new experience.
"Right away I called him, and I was really hyped, and now I think it makes things a little bit easier," Lutz said. "We can fly together and we can enjoy the time together, and experience everything together.
"Sometimes he can help me, and I can help him."
Both Lutz and Szuber will
participate alongside fellow prospects
in this week's rookie tournament, which kicks off Friday in San Jose. The Coyotes start the tourney against the Vegas Golden Knights at 4:30 pm on Friday, and will also play the Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche during the weekend.
Lutz, a native of Weingarten, Germany, recorded three points in 14 games with EHC Red Bull München last season. He participated in the Coyotes' rookie development camp in mid-July, but returned home shortly thereafter to continue training.
Though he suffered a minor lower-body injury in practice, he's already back to 100 percent, and recorded an assist in his first game back, a 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava on Saturday in the Champions Hockey League tournament.
"I'm healthy again," Lutz said. "I'm ready to play and I'm hungry."
Lutz's return to the United States this summer follows his initial participation in the aforementioned rookie development camp, which he said was a great experience. He and his fellow prospects spent the week learning skills, both on and off the ice, and in addition to getting to spend more time with Szuber, Lutz roomed with forward Jack McBain who has already spent time in the NHL.