Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.ontariohockeyleague.com
- Name: Michael Del Zotto
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Birthdate: 1990-06-24
- Eligible for Draft: 2008
- Drafted: 2008
- Hometown: Stouffville, Ontario
- Acquired: 1st round (20th overall), 2008 by NYR
- Playing In: CHL
Michael Del Zotto
Prospect Grade: 7.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Del Zotto was the second overall pick in the 2006 OHL Priority Draft, behind Steven Stamkos. Both had played with the powerhouse Markam Waxers Minor Midget AAA team, where Del Zotto had posted 120 points (30 goals, 90 assists) during the 2005-06 midget season.
2006-07: In the fall of 2006, the highly-touted defenseman joined an already very talented OHL Oshawa Generals. In his first season, Del Zotto recorded 57 points in 64 regular season games, including eight power play tallies. He was also named to the 2007 OHL All-Star Game, the first ever 16-year-old to receive that honor.
2007-08: With almost a point a game this past season (63 points in 64 games), Del Zotto was third in overall points among OHL defenseman. He spent much more time on the penalty kill, and was able to score 5 shorties during the 2007-08 season. Most importantly, Del Zotto tightened up his defensive play, and had a positive plus/minus rating for the first time in his junior career.
Talent Analysis
Excellent offensive instincts, as well as exceptional skating and passing skills, Del Zotto plays with an edge to his game. A character player, with some defensive issues, there were questions about Del Zotto's conditioning in the past. However, he has changed his conditioning regimen this season and is developing better gap control in his own zone.
Future
He will most likely not be ready for the Rangers in 2009-10, which will necessitate another year of junior play for the talented blueliner.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: September, 1st 2009
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