Jerry D'Amigo

D'Amigo has great wheels, but average hands. His game is developing, but he seems to be the type who needs some adjustment time at each level. He'll be in the AHL this season and maybe next.

There’s no shame in a demotion; for some, it’s the best thing that could happen to their careers. And that was the case for D’Amigo who started last season in the AHL but was sent down to the OHL Kitchener Rangers in February. He wasn’t happy about it but instead of pouting, he let loose a torrent of offense (12 goals and 28 points in 21 games) to show that his struggles in the AHL were likely just an anomaly. The kid has scored at every level and excelled against the best in his age group. He’ll be back with the Marlies for 2011-12 and should see time in the NHL in 2012-13. Keeper leaguers should monitor his growth this season and be ready to grab and hold, particularly in goal-oriented leagues.

D'Amigo is one hot dude. He has gone from a guy projected to be a checking specialist to someone with top-six potential. The Leafs love him so much they’ll give him a chance to win a job on one of their bottom two lines this September. He’s definitely one to watch.