Rangers sign Del Zotto

May 27, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Yesterday, the Rangers signed defenseman Michael Del Zotto to a pro contract. The former 2008 first round pick (20th overall) took the next step to becoming a Ranger.

What lies ahead is plenty of work this summer in preparation for training camp where he’ll compete for a roster spot with other blueline prospects Mike Sauer, Bobby Sanguinetti, Matt Gilroy, recently signed Ilkaa Heikkinen and possibly potential UFA Corey Potter.

In 62 games with the Oshawa Generals and London Knights where he teamed with consensus No.1 overall pick John Tavares, Del Zotto registered 13 goals and 50 assists for 63 points along with 78 penalty minutes. The 63 points ranked sixth among OHL defensemen while his 50 helpers tied for 11th overall in the league. Most notably, his 32 power play assists placed fifth in the league.

“It’s definitely unbelievable being part of this organization,” the 18 year-old Del Zotto told the official Ranger team site Tuesday. “This is just a baby step, though. It’s a first step in trying to make the team and take it further.”

He’ll take part in a second straight Rangers Prospect Development Camp this summer. Something he looks forward to along with whatever else comes his way.

“The mindset I want to have is that I want to go into camp trying to make the team,” he said. “That’s the only way you can go into it. I’ll go in there and try my hardest and hopefully give the coaching staff a tough decision to make.”

Interestingly enough, his play during last year’s abbreviated camp before headed overseas to Prague impressed making the decision to send him back to juniors a tougher one. But it was also probably best for his development. It was during the season that he and his very popular draft eligible teammate got moved from Oshawa to London. A challenge he welcomed.

“I think that (the trade) was the best thing for me,” Del Zotto pointed out of going a solid plus-nine in 28 games there before totaling 19 points including a club best 16 assists in the playoffs. “It was a great opportunity going to London with the team they have there and all that talent. It gave me a great opportunity to go deep in the playoffs and play with amazing players. It definitely helped out my game.

“I kind of wanted to prove everyone wrong who had criticized my game and to show them I could be a two-way player. That’s definitely what I wanted to do all year long.”

In three seasons with Oshawa and London, Del Zotto has posted 39 goals and 144 assists for 183 points while racking up 283 penalty minutes getting into 190 games. Now, he aims to take the giant step to the NHL against stiff competition. If the Blueshirts deem him ready, we’ll get to see the Ontario kid wear Ranger colors this Fall. If not, he can be optioned back to London.

As for what’s coming up next month involving a pair of teammates, he’ll certainly be keeping check.

“I’ll definitely be watching (the draft),” he said. “There are two guys that I played with who are projected to go in the first round (Tavares and Nazem Kadri), so I will be interested to see where they’re going.”