Jerry D’Amigo could go pro with the Toronto Maple Leafs
There are reports that Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Jerry D’Amigo may leave the collegiate program in order to sign a pro contract with the Maple Leafs.
D’Amigo quickly became a household name when he dazzled fans with his speed and ability to score at last year’s World Junior Championship tournament. The New York state native notched six goals, and six assists for 12 points while helping the United States to a gold medal win over Canada.
D’Amigo was an afterthought in the Maple Leafs prospect system prior to 2010, having been selected 158th, in the sixth round of the 2009 National Hockey League entry draft.
Playing for the under-18 United States development program D’Amigo performed well but was never a stand-out. Nevertheless, with his performance at the World Juniors last Christmas, as well as a strong season playing for Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute of the collegiate hockey system, D’Amigo has forced his way to the top of the Leafs prospect list.
D’Amigo has made it clear that he will not sign a pro contract in order to be relegated to the Ontario Hockey League. His rights are owned by the Kitchener Rangers, and he does not plan to leave RPI in order to play in Kitchener. Therefore, any pro contract he signs would mean he has a strong chance of playing for the Maple Leafs next season.
D’Amigo’s coach at RPI mentioned that discussions of a pro contract have already taken place stating, “They are in discussions, but nothing’s concrete, nothing’s been determined. They certainly are having conversations about it. Jerry’s been outstanding. He’s kept our staff, and he’s kept his teammates abreast of the situation, and he’s handled it in a first class manner.”
Last season with RPI D’Amigo managed 10 goals and 24 assists for 34 points in just 35 games.
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