Damien Salducci Junior Review

[Deee.Geee 40]

Damien Salducci

Defenseman

Age: 18

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 195 lbs.

Shoots: R

Current Team: Miami Marauders

 

 

ROAD TO THE VHL/VHLM

 

Hailing from a rare source of VHLM players, Italy, Damien Salducci has been making himself quite the ambassador for his country while playing far from home.

 

He was a surprise pick in the 4^th round of the season 77 draft by the Miami Marauders; expectations for his selection were that he’d be a safe choice for most teams with draft picks in the 5^th round and onwards.

 

Not one to waste an opportunity, Damien has found his place as one Miami’s lower minutes eaters, but one of the best doing such work across the league.  Despite his 10 minutes or so a game he’s found a way to add 13 assists while keeping a respective plus minus of 9. Not bad for someone paired to play up against some of the best offensive lines in the league.

 

 

He has been a consistent presence for Miami throughout season 77, earning these points while holding down the blue line, blocking shots, and throwing his body around when needed.

 

It hasn’t been easy either. He admits that there was some shock in the beginning of the season what with the reduction in the size of the rink compared to Europe’s larger surfaces. Even with several dozen games under his belt he admits to scouts that his timing is just short of where it should be. The other challenge has been the physicality of the North American game; body checks are thrown with more gusto across United States and Canada versus what is seen on Italian ice.

 

His game has been modeled after players with similar builds; he has talked about watching Blackhawks games especially, to see Duncan Keith, as well as Kings games, to observe Drew Doughty too. With the right opportunity and coaching Damien can reach two-way defenseman talents, maybe even become more of an offensive defenseman.

 

Abilities

• Puck-moving defenseman with robust defensive IQ, very dependable on both sides of the rink.
• Above average play reading, can anticipate the opposition’s passes well.
• His acceleration and speed have seen more gains as the season progresses.
• Smart with shots from the point i.e. creating tipping goals. There could be more untapped skills here.

 

Downsides

• Can turn over the puck on break out passes; remains seen if he can be consistent with creating offensive plays from his zone.
• Has not yet committed to a style of play; is an aggressive stay-at-home player in one game and offensive speedster the next. Coaches will soon be asking him to decide.
• Low ceiling to physical game. Undersized for shut-down defenseman work, will need to address stick game to disrupt plays even more.