Michael Del Zotto, 21, will enter the final year of his three-year NHL entry-level contract this coming season, and following a disappointing year in 2010-11, he has a lot to prove to the New York Rangers brass.In his rookie season with the team in 2009-10, the former 20th overall pick (2008) scored nine goals and 28 assists, for an impressive total of 37 points. He amassed 32 penalty minutes, and finished the season with a minus-20 rating. Del Zotto's point total was good enough for fourth-best on the team, and his offensive play impressed the Rangers coaching staff. But, Del Zotto's rookie season also had it's faults and mis-fortunes, as the Stouffville, Ontario native was oft.-criticized for his play in the defensive zone and inability to read plays and stop opposing forwards from crashing the net. Del Zotto also had trouble with defensive zone passing, as he constantly gave the puck away to the opposing team.
In year two, Del Zotto played well enough during the pre-season to make the Rangers' opening night roster. But consistent struggles offensively and defensively resulted in the young blueliner being demoted to the AHL, where he played in 11 games with the Connecticut Whale prior to breaking his hand. He recorded seven assists with the Whale, and took eight penalty-minutes while finishing with an even rating.
In 47 games with the Rangers last season, Del Zotto scored only two goals and nine assists for 11 points. He took 20 penalty minutes and finished a minus-5.
Del Zotto has made it known that he plans on making the team this season, and staying with them for good. On twitter, he has publicly announced his work-out plans for the offseason, and he has stated multiple times that he is "extremely excited" for the regular season to begin. Not only do the Rangers and their fanbase have huge expectations for defenseman, but Del Zotto has even said that he expects a lot from himself; which in a way is a very good thing, and it should improve his motivation.
And as we all know, the Rangers acquired Brad Richards on July 2, signing him to a nine-year, $60million contract. Richards will center the team's top-line and improve the Rangers scoring total while helping winger Marian Gaborik return to his normal, scoring self; and he will also become the team's power-play quarterback, which will relieve some stress and responsibility from Del Zotto.
It is expected that Del Zotto and Richards will work the point together on the Rangers' power-play this season, which should help Del Zotto in a big way.
In his rookie year, Del Zotto mainly worked with Gaborik and always looked to pass the puck to him while on the ice together. Now, Gaborik has both Del Zotto and Richards as playmaker's, which should help him greatly.
But shifting back to Del Zotto, the scenario mentioned above will also work in his favor, as he now has two star players to turn to while on the ice. Del Zotto is known for his stretch, lead passes and he now has Gaborik and Richards receiving. If taken under Richards' wing, Del Zotto should adopt a "shoot-first" attitude as a point-man, as that is the mentality that Richards is known to have; and it is the style that Coach John Tortorella would like his power-play unit to use.
With both Richards and Gaborik on the team, will Del Zotto's expectations increase for this coming season? Yes, they most likely will. But, if given the correct amount of attention and assistance, the young blueliner could potentially have one of the best season's of his career, and a sure break-out year.
Follow me on twitter @NickPerriNYR and email me at nickpnyrwriter@gmail.com.
NOTE: My first mailbag piece will be up this Sunday. I have received a few questions thus far, and I am looking forward to many more!
No comments:
Post a Comment