2011 NHL Draft Preview: Rocco Grimaldi
Who will be the difference maker your team takes in the draft? Until June 24, we can only ponder. Leading up to this date I will cover a series of highly eligible players who could impact your team in the future. If you can’t tell from the picture above segment 1 will be about Rocco Grimaldi.
I find Rocco very intriguing because of his size. At a mild 5’6” and only 163 pounds he plays like a beast. He can hang in there with the physical play of bigger guys but really stands out in the skills department. He reminds me of Martin St. Louis.
With great hands and wicked speed he should be able to fit into today’s NHL that is becoming more about the finesse. I could see him playing a few years at the AHL level to improve size and strength. I suspect he will first go the college route for up to four years before he makes the jump.
Grimaldi has played for Team USA the last two years. This is an elite team comprised from the best under-18 players from around the country. They play in a league with athletes up to three years older then them.
Even with playing at such a high level Rocco has managed to average 11 goals and 11 assists the past two years. He has also improved his plus/minus a staggering 30 points, from –19 to +11. Although he is small he still has great potential for growth. He is one of the youngest Draft eligible players being born in 1993, which means he can still hit a growth spurt and gain strength. Keep your eyes on him as he finishes out this year playing against USHL competition.
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