Panthers select Rocco Grimaldi at 33rd in 2011 NHL Entry Draft
by Alexander Calloway on Jun 25, 2011 11:41 AM EDT
Email
Print
Who is Rocco Grimaldi?
Rocco Grimaldi was born in Anaheim, CA, and has spent the past two seasons with the United States National U17 and U18 teams. He's won gold medals with the States in 2010 in the U18 world championship, scoring ten points (2G/8A) in seven games, and won gold again in the U18 World Championships this season with eight Points (2G/6A) in six games. He'll be playing with North Dakota next season.
What the scouts say:
Rocco dropped in some rankings during the course of the season. TSR remained high on him due to his intangibles in leadership and hockey sense. Rocco always seems to have the puck on his stick whether he’s moving it out of his zone or anticipating the play defensively. His smooth skating and vision along with above average passing skills should translate well as he progresses. - The Scouting Report
The 2011 NHL Draft gives hockey fans a glimpse into the future of what their favorite teams will look like. While many of these names may not be recognizable and may take a few years to develop and face a tough road through the minors, the most successful NHL franchises get built through the draft.
Let’s get it out of the way early. Yes, Grimaldi is 5-foot-6. Let the Brian Gionta/ Martin St. Louis comparisons commence.
But if he can become the scorer that Gionta or St. Louis have been during their careers, then I doubt people will mind his size. Grimaldi had 30 goals and 62 points with the USA U-18 team last season and has that gritty element that have made both of them so successful. - The Bleacher Report
Awards and honors:
- U17 WHC All-Star Team (2009–10)
- U17 WHC Gold Medal (2009–10)
- U17 WHC Most Assists (2009–10)
- U17 WHC Most Points (2009–10)
- 2010 IIHF World U18 Championships Gold Medal (2009–10)
- USHL All-Star Game (2010–11)
My Opinion
If Tyler Ennis can be the future of the Buffalo Sabres, then Rocco Grimaldi can be part of the Florida Panthers bright future. Yes, he is a small player, but he has fantastic skills, hockey sense, and work ethic. Grimaldi has a bright future in Florida, and should develop into a fine top six forward.
18 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
What. A. Steal
Hell on Ice/In Lou We Trust/Twitter
Talking toilet, you may call me Jane.
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jun 25, 2011 11:42 AM EDT reply actions
His Twitter humor is reason enough for the selection. Love it.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
Watched his interviews, see his numbers… Talk about a motivated, confident, yet humble kid. And he’s a quick little skill man. I like the variation we’re building in our organizations… the kind that will give teams a headache. Big Man Bjugstad dishing to a quick little Grimaldi with towering Quinton Howden in front of the net? Then throw out another line with Huberdeau with Booth and Dadonov? Then you can toss Stephen Weiss out there for a quick shift… This is awesome!
All about the developmental process now, if we do it right we’re going to be a tough team.
by Chris S Roberts on Jun 26, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
A great pick at 33
Keep him away from the bigger opponents and watch him produce. He’s the kind of guy who I think will excel on the power play.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
Size < Skill
Ask Tampa and they will agree
by Alexander Calloway on Jun 26, 2011 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Within reason, I agree
I think I would be more shocked if Rocco were a bust than any other player in this draft. I feel like he understands exactly what success requires.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
I feel like a good deal of the players drafted recently are of that ilk for the Panthers (super awesome example a: Zach Hyman).
by panthersfan27 on Jun 26, 2011 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Even if he didn’t pan out as a player, I’m still going to root for him to succeed because he just has his head totally on right (and he personally thanked everyone who sent in encouraging comments on his twitter…including me!)
by panthersfan27 on Jun 26, 2011 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Dude is second to none.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jun 27, 2011 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep. Martin St. Louis is the modern day Theoren Fluery.
by siddious on Jun 27, 2011 3:07 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Litter Box Cats
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
