Damien Salducci Scouting Report

[Deee.Geee 40]

Damien Salducci

Defenseman

 

VHLM Experience:

An import from the mountainous north of Italy, Damien Salducci has shown great comfort in the adaptation of his game to North American rink size and game speed.

 

A fourth round pick by the Miami Marauders ahead of the 77^th season of the VHLM, Damien found himself joining the Florida-based team for opening night when prior expectations were that he’d be helming the defensive corps for the Junior Marauders. A strong training camp and demonstration of chemistry with his teammates were the early show of talent and drive seen across that season and beyond.

 

The Marauders knew exactly how to develop their junior talent as Damien put together 18 points and a plus/minus of 16 while taking up bottom 4 minutes and penalty kill responsibilities. Not bad for a first year.

 

Season 77 was capped in the best way possible; a championship against the number 1 seeded team, the Mississauga Hounds. Damien rewarded his coaching staff with an increased point per game ratio of 0.40 during the playoffs - a nice tick above his season’s ppg of 0.25.

 

He begins season 78 with the San Diego Marlins, having been acquired in trade in the off-season, and was a first round draft pick by the Helsinki Titans.

 

 

Strengths

Damien has often mentioned players like Drew Doughty and Duncan Keith as his idols growing up, and the influence is becoming more apparent with time as Damien gains confidence and takes bigger chances.

· His offensive game has an edge over his defensive game;  he is especially strong at starting plays in his zone, whether that means quarterbacking the puck himself or initiating the breakout pass to his forwards.

· His breakout skating out of his zone is particularly explosive. His acceleration is probably stronger than his top speed which we don’t expect to reach additional heights, however.

· With the top 4 minutes he’s eating as a Marlin we’re beginning to see a new skill at creating tipping. opportunities with careful shots from the point, especially on power plays. Needs the right players in front of the net.

· Equally strong defensive game; adept at interrupting plays in his zone and stripping pucks.

 

Weaknesses

While he’s expected to fill out a little more in the next few years, there’s no expectation that Damien will be a physical specimen on his own blue line. This could be a concern for a long-term tenure in the VHL.

· Lower ceiling to his defensive game compared to his offensive game.

· Is sometimes prone to taking bad penalties, expectation is that this reduces as his mental maturity settles in.

· Average slap shot strength, may impact his scoring upside from the point.

· It’s likely to improve but his shot blocking attempts are sometimes premature or he over-commits. Will have to improve his penalty kill game.

Edited June 1, 2021 by Deee.Geee