Tortorella Leaning Towards Del Zotto and Gilroy?

In my postgame analysis yesterday, I expressed my feelings toward young defensemen Mike Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy. I believe that both of these players are NHL ready, and should make the Ranger lineup out of camp. Of course, it is not my call if they make this year's team or not, but it seems like head coach John Tortorella has similar feelings to mine.

The following quotes from John Tortorella courtesy of Newsday:

On Del Zotto & Gilroy on the Powerplay: “I look at Del Zotto and Gilroy and their puck movement, it’s really exciting. I guess (it’s) the mindset of trying to take a chance to win a game and make those types of plays and instead of just off the glass.....Del Zotto has done a really nice job as far as patience with the puck getting to the middle of the ice…we want to improve our power play, we’re not gonna look at age or draft picks or money, we want people who we feel have done the job through camp.”

On Matt Gilroy: “Other than his skill and skating, I like his mindset. He’s constantly up the ice. Did he make some mistakes? Yeah…but he seems like he can get back and cover himself up, that’s the type of guy we want to start developing. We’ll harness him and teach him the game, but it’s nice to have that aggressiveness.”

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At this point, I do not foresee anyone stealing the spot of fifth and sixth defensemen from Gilroy or Del Zotto. Semenov and Sanguinetti are solid, particularly in their own zone, but they have not stood out like Gilroy or Del Zotto have in this pre-season.

Tortorella repeatedly talks about having a powerplay quarterback. Mike Del Zotto is one in the making, and has been spectacular when playing with Ales Kotalik on the point. The big thing about Del Zotto is that he is calm and visualizes the play before he actually makes it. Before making a pass, Mike takes those quick three seconds to look for a developing play, and then does not hesitate at all in making it happen.

To have such a young player with elite vision like that is something special, and there is no reason to send that talent back to the Juniors. Del Zotto has earned his spot on this team, and now it is time for the coach to allow him that opportunity, and based on the above quote, it seems like that is just what Torts plans on doing.

As for Gilroy, it is scary how much he reminds me of Hall of Fame defenseman Brian Leetch. The way he skates, passes, shoots, the whole package just looks like a young Leetch. Now Gilroy is a bit older at age 25, so my feeling is that no time should be wasted in the AHL, as Matt should be brought up to the NHL now. Torts mentioned in the quote that "Gilroy type" players are the ones that they want to develop, and now is the perfect opportunity.

The other area of the game that Gilroy is very strong in is on offense. At least five times per game you can see Matt making the defensive play, and then quickly jumping on the rush to help create a scoring chance. I have noticed that Gilroy has a bit of a hard time shooting off of the pass, but that is something that can be fixed rather quickly with a little attention payed to it. The Rangers are looking for offense in any way, shape, or form they can find it after the past two seasons, and the prolific Gilroy can definitely help that cause.

Tortorella has also been quoted on saying that he prefers two prospects get called up on defense this year, and maybe two on offense as well. I am not too sure how the offensive situation will work out, but I know for a fact that the defensive situation has just fell right into his lap. Gilroy and Del Zotto are his two prospect defensemen, and there are no cap limitations, roster problems, or anything preventing them from becoming New York Rangers in 2009-10.

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Also, check back later as I will post up an entire outline of how the blog will be run this year. This includes many new features, as well as a new and improved polling system, so I highly suggest you stop by and take a look at that, later this afternoon.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)