Toronto Maple Leafs sign prospect Chris Didomenico
From the Leafs webiste: “The Leafs announced Saturday that forward Chris DiDomenico has been signed to a three-year entry level contract. The 20-year-old native of Toronto was selected by the Leafs in the sixth round, 164th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.”
“Chris is a skilled offensive player that plays with a lot of grit,” said Burke. “He has shown the ability to compete and produce at a high level and we’re looking forward to his further growth and development in our organization.”
http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=413855&page=NewsPage&service=page
Through 48 games played this season, Didomenico had posted 18 goals and 38 assists for 56 points. It’s been a busy season for Chris that’s included World Junior gold alongside John Tavares on the top line, and then a trade from the Saint John Sea Dogs to the Drummondville Voltigeurs.
Didomenico’s two-way ability, skill, and maturity should help him make an immediate impact on the Toronto Marlies as they prepare for a deep playoff run.
Expect this to be the first of many young players to join the Marlies over the next little while.
Always a pleasure,
Alex Tran
alex.tran@mapleleafshotstove.com
March 14th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Excellent! Looking forward to seeing Dido in the ‘A’ next season. I wonder if this will also enable him to participate in this year’s AHL playoffs?
March 14th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I was looking at the stats in the Q for Dido and saw joel champagne is near the top in points at over a point per game pace. I think last year he only had about 40 points in 70 games…anyway I was just wondering if you guys have been following his progress at all as on paper it looks like hes improved a lot.
March 14th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
@ Joe, Champagne was drafted out of junior as a big, physical shutdown centre. The fact that he’s breaking out offensively is a HUGE bonus for the Leafs. He started off at a decent pace for Chicoutimi but has been on fire since being traded to Chicoutimi with 37 points in 22 games played for them.
He’s really cleaning up offensively by parking himself in front of the net on the powerplay.
March 14th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
@ Garrett:
“Didomenico’s two-way ability, skill, and maturity should help him make an immediate impact on the Toronto Marlies as they prepare for a deep playoff run.”
He’ll definitely be playing for them this season. Tlusty, Dido, maybe Stefanovich as well. Should be interesting to watch
March 14th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
When does the AHL playoffs start, will Dido be able to play for Drummondville in the playoffs and then join the Marlies for their playoff run?
March 14th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Drummondville is expected to make a long run, and possibly be in the Mem Cup. I wouldn’t expect to see Dido in a Marlies uni this season, at all.
March 14th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Now let’s draft Tavares and trade for Esposito!!!! haha
March 14th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
good win for Leafs… and fantastic moment for Brodeur.
March 14th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
I’m happy the organization got this kid locked up. He’ll be a great fit on the roster as apart of the rebuilding process. Will he join the Toronto Marlies this season, or at the beginning of next year? Thanks for the update Alex!
March 14th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
What an underdog! If he manages to solidify a roster spot in the NHL (even on the 4th line) he will be a proven steal by the Leafs.
March 14th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Gotta think he’ll top out at atleast a 3rd liner and possibly a 2nd liner.
Hoopefully he joins the Marlies and they make a long playoff run. Liking the looks of the Bataglia/Tlusty/Stapleton line.
Anybody have any idea if Kulemin, Stralman, Hamilton, Devereaux and others can join the Marlies once the Leafs are done?
March 14th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
@ Joe Champagne was also recently voted as best face-off man in his QMJHL division with an over 61% success rate.
I expect Didomenico will be sent back to his Junior team for their playoff run and then called back up if they get eliminated before the Marlies. I`m sure guys like Kulemin and Stralman will be part of the Marlies cup run too. It`s also been mentioned that Schenn has been scouted by Team Canada for the World Championships (or whatever that Euro spring tournament is that nobody in North America cares about).
March 15th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Kulemin, Stralman, Ondrus and Oreskovic are all eligible to play for the Marlies in the playoffs.
Infact, here is the clear day roster
Adam Munro (G)
Justin Pogge (G)
Bates Battaglia
Darryl Boyce
Andre Deveaux
Josh Engel
Alex Foster
Jonas Frogren
Ryan Hamilton
Ryan Hollweg
Nikolai Kulemin
Ben Ondrus
Phil Oreskovic
Todd Perry
Kyle Rogers
Joe Ryan
Jaime Sifers
Tim Stapleton
Anton Stralman
Jiri Tlusty
Juha Uotila
Jeremy Williams
Noticeable omission would be Newbury, who is liekly out for the rest of the season. Also players like Brent Aubin and Stefano Giliati are not on the list either and will not be able to play in the playoffs.
Too bad Frogren is out for the rest of the season, he could have used the experience.
March 15th, 2009 at 12:48 am
am I the only one who thinks John Mitchell has the potential to become a great center in this league? He has a terrific shot, speed and can dangle the puck. The goal he scored today was fantastic and perfectly placed past Kipper’s blocker.
March 15th, 2009 at 3:43 am
*thumbs up, Alex.
My fear is that he may not be big enough for the NHL. That may just be the pre-lockout era fear I’ve not yet subsided.
March 15th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
@ Joe, I saw Champagne’s first few games with the Rocket after he was traded, I thought he looked pretty impressive, he seemed to do it all, set up goals, score himself and shut down the opposing offense. I can’t help but think he’ll be a kid to keep an eye on.
March 15th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Dido was 5’11 when drafted and apparently he shot up to 6’1 over the past year.
March 15th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I looke forward to seeing him at the next level. No question there’s a big jump from junior to the AHL, but it would appear this kid has a good skill set and great mindset to succeed. I wish him well, he could be a great addition to the Leafs lineup down the road.
March 16th, 2009 at 1:17 am
Can’t wait to see him with all the other young kids. Leafs starting to look very exciting for next season.
Nice work on the GM, Alex. I don’t play that one much anymore, but I check the scores. Looks like you will be the Sage this year.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I would love to see DiDomenico & Champagne in Marlies jerseys next year… Go Leafs Go!!