Del Zotto makes Rangers
Razor | Sep 29, 2009 | Comments 3
According to Newsday’s Steve Zipay, 19-year-old Michael Del Zotto will be with the New York Rangers when they open their season against the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.
Del Zotto, the 20th overall selction in the 2008 draft, still has junior eligibility, so he can play nine NHL games before his entry level contract kicks in.
Obviously, though, the London Knights of the OHL could be without a key defenseman if he plays well with the big club early on. Or will the Rangers send him back no matter what just so they don’t waste a year of eligibility?
I think there is a good chance, though, he is here for the long haul, as TSN’s Bob McKenzie has also noted that Del Zotto is expected to run the point on the power play.
Filed Under: Featured • New York Rangers
Considering that the NYR don’t have the deepest blueline in the NHL I would bet that Del Zotto sticks with the club unless he falls absolutley flat on his face in those first nine games. Best case scenario for NY is that he looks good enough to give Slats the confidence to give Redden away (the sooner the better) to whatever dumb bastard is willing to take on that salary.
I think in a year or two, the Rangers top defensive line will be Del Zotto along Staal. Dangerous combo.
I took him in my draft last night in Round 21, 202 overall. Could be an absolute steal if that spot on the #1 unit holds up.