Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.ontariohockeyleague.com
- Name: Matt Corrente
- Position: D
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Birthdate: 1988-03-17
- Eligible for Draft: 2006
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Etobicoke, Ontario
- Acquired: 1st round (30th overall), 2006
- Playing In: Pro
Matt Corrente
Prospect Grade: 7.0 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2004-05: After being drafted second overall by the Saginaw Spirit in the 2004 OHL Priority Draft, Corrente jumped right into the line-up. Despite some first year jitters and a little bit of difficulty adjusting to the level of play, Corrente fared about as well as could have been expected. He scored six goals and nine assists and his ugly -38 rating was due to his lack of experience and the fact the Spirit were one of the worst teams in the OHL.
2005-06: With one OHL season under his belt, Corrente came into 2005-06 more prepared. He doubled his offensive production (30 points in 61 games), and more importantly was solid in his own end. This was reflected in his +3 plus/minus rating for the season. His confidence level was also reflected in his 172 PIM's as he became much more assertive and aggressive. Corrente was chosen to participate in the 2006 CHL Top Prospects game and performed well in both the skills competition and the game itself. His shot was one of the hardest of all the prospects, and he was one of the fastest skaters. Corrente was chosen by the New Jersey Devils at the end of the first round of the 2006 NHL Draft.
2006-07: Corrente had what could best be described as a rollercoaster season. After having an outstanding training camp in New Jersey, Corrente spun his wheels upon his return to junior and just as he was starting to get back on track, Corrente and four other members of the Spirit were suspended for a pair of games for breaking team rules. The incident probably played a part in a trade that saw Corrente get dealt to his home town of Mississauga in early January. His combined totals with the Spirit and Ice Dogs saw him score three goals and 26 assists in 43 games. He posted a +13 rating and 94 PIM’s.
2007-08: Corrente had about as good as season as could have been expected with all the games he missed this season for the Niagara Ice Dogs. To start, he missed the first few games of the season as he was still in New Jersey after a second straight strong showing in training camp and NHL pre-season games. Upon his return, he missed time with a ligament injury in his wrist, and then re-injured his wrist in a fight that consequently saw him suspended for 8 games. And lastly, Corrente broke his thumb in mid-January and missed the rest of the regular season. As a result of all those separate incidents, Corrente was only able to suit up in 21 regular season games. He was fully healthy though for the Ice Dogs in the post-season, suiting up in all 10 games the team played, before seeing his team get knocked out in the second round of the OHL playoffs.
2008-09: Corrente had hoped to be in New Jersey last season, but a poor showing at training camp resulted in him being sent to Lowell for the 2008-09 season. He quickly emerged as one of the top defenders for Lowell, playing major minutes resulting in fantastic pro debut. He flashed his all-around ability, scoring six goals and 12 assists in 67 games to go along with 161 PIM's and a steady +1 rating.
Talent Analysis
With Corrente’s aggressive, pit-bull style mentality, superior mobility and offensive upside, it is obvious that the Devils did their homework on the 6'0, 200 lb. defender. Corrente does not let his small stature get in the way his style of play. He loves to initiate contact and play physically. Corrente makes opponents think twice about crossing the blueline and when he hits, he hits hard and always finishes his checks.
Offensively, Corrente is only going to get better with more experience. He is a fantastic skater, with above average top end speed. He has a rocket of a point shot (he registered the hardest shot at the CHL Top Prospects skills competition), but he must work on improving his shot accuracy. His passes are crisp and usually on target.
Corrente is competent and works hard in the defensive zone, but does tend to run around some. That is something that is likely to improve with experience. His quickness and mobility allow him to stick with his man and follow them all over the ice. Despite being undersized, Corrente is able to handle bigger forwards along the walls and in front of the net due to his tenacity and surprising strength.
If there is one significant weakness in Corrente's game, it is his tendency to play too aggressive and take needless penalties. As is the case with other aspects of his game that are still raw, this is an area that will likely improve with experience and maturity.
Future
Barring another move, New Jersey will have the same group of blueliners they had to end last season, but that doesn't mean that a guy like Corrente won't challenge for a spot in camp this year. Another year in the AHL won't hurt him, but he should be in fierce competition newly-signed Cory Murphy and Rob Davison to be the seventh defenseman for the Devils this season. Once he reaches his full potential, he should be a steady, mid-pairing defenseman, capable of contributing in a variety of ways.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 31st 2009
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