Photo Credit: University Denver
Massimo Rizzo was taken 216th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. He attended the University of Denver for hockey purposes, and the Forward started to come along nicely. Many thought that Rizzo would be the steal of the draft. At 22-years of age, Rizzo may/may not be that far off from the NHL. However, there is so much to like about this prospect. He’s got a fantastic skill set, and a good pair of hands. If the Flyers sign him he would report to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
When he was at the Canes prospect camp, his skill was on display in a big way. With great hands, Rizzo also understands how to play the game defensively, however, there is a lot to like about Rizzo’s trajection. The Flyers have retained his rights until August 15, 2025. For his efforts, he now leads the nation in points in NCAA for the University of Denver with 17 points (5g,12a) in just eight games played. This is good enough for an average of 2.12 points per game. So just who is the overeager at the NCAA level in Rizzo, who is 22-years of age?
The one area I like about Rizzo’s game the most is he able to get pucks to the middle, and that is something that you need to do in order to make it in the NHL. He is creative with the puck on his stick, and that makes him very difficult to defend against. Rizzo is able to deke around defenders, even though his skating can improve. Most prospects can get better at skating, however, it’s not a weakness to his game. Rizzo just isn’t the best skater, and that’s an area he can improve upon.
This is a player with NHL skill and Rizzo is a bit raw in areas. However, one can sense his talent when they watch him play. Rizzo is experienced with playing in the NCAA, so at least he’s playing in a league where there are some men on the team.
He is 5’11 and weighs 175 pounds. Rizzo is a native of Burnaby, British Columbia. Rizzo beats defenders off the rush. He is a skilled stickhandler who is tough to move off the puck, especially when he accelerates. Will he sign an Entry-Level-Contract with the orange and black this season remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain. Rizzo is very talented.
Rizzo projects, at least for now, to be a solid bottom six player in the NHL. Things change rapidly in this sport, so anything can happen. It’s hard to judge how prospects will pan out, however, Rizzo does have the talent to succeed in the NHL, that much is certain.
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