Michael Del Zotto
Del Zotto with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2014
Born (1990-06-24) June 24, 1990
Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario, Canada
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 194 lb (88 kg; 13 st 12 lb)
Position Defence
Shot Left
Played for New York Rangers
Nashville Predators
Philadelphia Flyers
Vancouver Canucks
Anaheim Ducks
St. Louis Blues
Columbus Blue Jackets
Ottawa Senators
National team  Canada
NHL Draft 20th overall, 2008
New York Rangers
Playing career 2009–2023

Michael Del Zotto (born June 24, 1990) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He was drafted in the first round, 20th overall, by the New York Rangers at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the NHL for the Rangers, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Ottawa Senators. Del Zotto won the Stanley Cup in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues

Playing career

Early career

Del Zotto played minor ice hockey with the Stouffville Clippers A of the Whitchurch-Stouffville Minor Hockey Association. He then played for the Richmond Hill Stars and the Markham Waxers in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association's Eastern AAA League. His Waxers team also featured Steven Stamkos, Cody Hodgson and Cameron Gaunce.[1] The group won eight consecutive OMHA titles from 1999 to 2006 and the OHL Cup in Minor Midget. He played in the 2003 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with Markham.[2]

Del Zotto was the second overall selection by the Oshawa Generals in the 2006 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.[3]

Junior

During his first season with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Del Zotto helped his home province of Ontario win the gold medal in the 2007 Canada Winter Games.[3]

In his second season with Oshawa, Del Zotto's 63 points ranked him third among OHL defencemen. He made his second OHL playoff appearance in 2008, when the Generals reached the third round. Del Zotto was then chosen for the 2008 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Top Prospects Game.[3] At the end of the season, on June 20, Del Zotto was selected in the first round, 20th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers.[4]

On January 8, 2009, Del Zotto traded along with teammates John Tavares and Daryl Borden to the London Knights in exchange for prospects Christian Thomas, Scott Valentine, Michael Zador and six draft picks.[5]

Professional

After the 2008–09 OHL season concluded, Del Zotto signed a professional contract with the New York Rangers on May 26, 2009.[6] On October 2, he made his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins. At age 19, he became the youngest defenceman in Rangers history to play on an opening night. Del Zotto scored his first NHL goal the next day, against Pascal Leclaire of the Ottawa Senators, in the Rangers' home opener at Madison Square Garden. Del Zotto proved he was an asset to the team, and, as a result, averaged 20 to 25 minutes per game throughout the 2009–10 season.

Del Zotto with the New York Rangers in 2010.

Del Zotto was awarded the NHL's Rookie of the Month award for October 2009 after posting 12 points in his first 14 professional games.[7] Placing second in scoring amongst all rookie defencemen with 37 points in 80 games, Del Zotto was also named to the 2010 NHL All-Rookie Team.[8]

In his second professional season, 2010–11, Del Zotto struggled to reproduce his rookie season form consistently, and was subsequently assigned to the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Connecticut Whale, on January 4, 2011. However, he was later recalled by the Rangers, and finished the NHL season with 11 points in 47 games during his split year. During the 2011–12 season, Del Zotto rebounded in a highly-successful year for New York to complete his second full season in the NHL, scoring ten goals and 31 assists in 77 games.

As a restricted free agent during the 2012–13 NHL lock-out, Del Zotto signed a temporary contract with Rapperswil-Jona Lakers of the Swiss National League A on October 31, 2012.[9] In nine games for the Lakers, Del Zotto produced two goals and seven points before returning to North America in anticipation for the shortened 2012–13 season. Upon a resolution to the NHL lock-out, Del Zotto signed a two-year contract extension with the Rangers on the opening day of training camp on January 13, 2013.[10]

On January 22, 2014, Del Zotto was traded to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenceman Kevin Klein.[11] Del Zotto finished the season with the Predators with just one goal and five points from 25 games. With the final year of his contract completed, and despite being a restricted free agent, Del Zotto was not tendered a new contract offer by Nashville, and he subsequently became a free agent.[12]

On August 5, 2014, Del Zotto signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.[13] Following the 2014–15 season, Del Zotto became a restricted free agent under the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Flyers made him a qualifying offer to retain his NHL rights and, on July 5, 2015, Del Zotto filed for salary arbitration.[14] The two sides came to an agreement on contract of two years, $7.75 million before the arbitration hearing.[15]

On July 1, 2017, as an unrestricted free agent, Del Zotto signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks worth $6 million.[16] In the 2017–18 season, Del Zotto played in a career-high 82 games and collected 6 goals and 16 assists for 22 points. He led the Canucks in ice time (1,706 minutes) and joined Henrik Sedin as the only two Vancouver players to play every game that season.

In the final year of his contract with the Canucks in the 2018–19 season, Del Zotto was unable to replicate his previous season form, producing just four points through 23 games. On January 16, 2019, Del Zotto was traded by the Canucks to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Luke Schenn and a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.[17] He made his debut with the Ducks in a 5–1 defeat to the St. Louis Blues on January 23, 2019.[18] Del Zotto notched his 600th NHL appearance in a 2–1 defeat to the Calgary Flames on February 22, 2019.[19] He featured in 12 games with the Ducks, collecting 3 assists before he was moved on at the trade deadline by Anaheim to add depth to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2020 on February 25, 2019.[20] Del Zotto was a part of the extended Blues playoff roster, and watched from the press box as they won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history on June 12, 2019. His name appears on the Cup due to playing more than 41 games over the season (though only 7 with St Louis).[21]

On July 16, 2019, Del Zotto returned to the Ducks, agreeing to a one-year, $750,000 contract.[22][23] Del Zotto appeared in 49 games, scoring two goals and 15 points.[24]

Prior to the delayed 2020–21 season, Del Zotto was signed to a pro-tryout contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 25, 2020.[24] In the midst of the Blue Jackets training camp, Del Zotto impressed to secure a one-year, two-way contract on January 10, 2021.[25] As a regular on the blueline with the Blue Jackets, Del Zotto featured in 53 out of 56 regular season games, collecting four goals and 13 points, however was unable to prevent Columbus from missing the playoffs.[26]

On July 28, 2021, Del Zotto continued his journeyman career, and signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Ottawa Senators.[26] However, the organization was unhappy with his play and placed him on waivers on December 10, 2021.[27] He cleared waivers the following day[28] and was sent to Ottawa's AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators.[27] While in the AHL, Del Zotto set a Belleville-franchise record scoring 10 goals and 27 points in 26 games. He was recalled in March by Ottawa[29] and finished the season with the team registering 26 games played and 13 points. On July 12, Del Zotto was placed on waivers again by the Senators for the purposes of buying out the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.[30]

On July 17, 2022, Del Zotto signed a contract with his ninth NHL team, joining the Florida Panthers on a one-year, two-way contract.[31] On December 19, 2022, Del Zotto was traded by the Panthers to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Givani Smith.[32] He was subsequently traded by the Red Wings to the Ducks in exchange for Danny O'Regan. Prior to being traded, he recorded two goals and eight assists in 25 games for the Charlotte Checkers during the 2022−23 season.[33] On September 6, 2023, Del Zotto announced his retirement from professional hockey.[34]

Personal life

Del Zotto attended St. Brother André Catholic High School in Markham, Ontario, and later attended St. Andrew's College in nearby Aurora. He wore number 4 in junior and in the NHL with the Rangers in homage to Boston Bruins great Bobby Orr.[3]


Del Zotto has done charitable work, including Madison Square Garden's "Garden of Dreams" foundation, in which a segment of his work was featured in Lisa Varga's Beyond the Offseason.[35]

In 2014, Del Zotto was derided by pornographic actress Lisa Ann on Twitter for harrying her regarding dating.[36][37]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2005–06 Markham Waxers AAA ETA U16 73 30 90 120 90 — — — — —
2006−07 Oshawa Generals OHL 64 10 47 57 78 9 3 9 12 14
2007−08 Oshawa Generals OHL 64 16 47 63 82 15 2 6 8 38
2008−09 Oshawa Generals OHL 34 7 26 33 48 — — — — —
2008−09 London Knights OHL 28 6 24 30 30 14 3 16 19 18
2009−10 New York Rangers NHL 80 9 28 37 32 — — — — —
2010−11 New York Rangers NHL 47 2 9 11 20 — — — — —
2010−11 Connecticut Whale AHL 11 0 7 7 8 — — — — —
2011−12 New York Rangers NHL 77 10 31 41 36 20 2 8 10 12
2012−13 Rapperswil–Jona Lakers NLA 9 2 5 7 10 — — — — —
2012−13 New York Rangers NHL 46 3 18 21 18 12 1 1 2 8
2013−14 New York Rangers NHL 42 2 9 11 10 — — — — —
2013−14 Nashville Predators NHL 25 1 4 5 8 — — — — —
2014−15 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 64 10 22 32 34 — — — — —
2015−16 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 52 4 9 13 16 — — — — —
2016−17 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 51 6 12 18 28 — — — — —
2017−18 Vancouver Canucks NHL 82 6 16 22 48 — — — — —
2018−19 Vancouver Canucks NHL 23 1 3 4 8 — — — — —
2018−19 Anaheim Ducks NHL 12 0 3 3 0 — — — — —
2018−19 St. Louis Blues NHL 7 0 3 3 0 — — — — —
2019−20 Anaheim Ducks NHL 49 2 13 15 14 — — — — —
2020−21 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 53 4 9 13 8 — — — — —
2021−22 Ottawa Senators NHL 26 3 10 13 4 — — — — —
2021−22 Belleville Senators AHL 26 10 17 27 18 — — — — —
2022−23 Charlotte Checkers AHL 25 2 8 10 14 — — — — —
2022–23 San Diego Gulls AHL 40 6 25 31 51 — — — — —
NHL totals 736 63 199 262 284 32 3 9 12 20

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2007 Canada IH18 4th 4 0 2 2 4
2010 Canada WC 7th 5 0 0 0 0
Senior totals 5 0 0 0 0

Awards and honors

Award Year
OHL
First All-Rookie Team 2007
CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game 2008
Third All-Star Team 2009
NHL
All-Rookie Team 2010
Stanley Cup champion 2019

References

  1. ↑ "Ex-Waxers inspire current crop". yorkregion.com. August 20, 2008. Retrieved February 16, 2019. former teammates Steven Stamkos, Cody Hodgson and Michael Del Zotto
  2. ↑ "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Del Zotto, Michael – NHL.com - NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles". NHL.com. 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2009.
  4. ↑ "Rangers thrilled to land Del Zotto at No. 20". New York Rangers. June 21, 2008. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2008.
  5. ↑ "Del Zotto traded to London Knights". New York Rangers. January 9, 2009. Archived from the original on January 11, 2009. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
  6. ↑ "Rangers sign 2008 first-round pick Del Zotto". New York Rangers. May 26, 2009. Archived from the original on May 30, 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2009.
  7. ↑ "Rangers' Del Zotto top October rookie". NHL.com. November 3, 2009. Archived from the original on January 6, 2010. Retrieved November 3, 2009.
  8. ↑ "Rangers' Del Zotto selected to All-Rookie team". New York Rangers. May 1, 2010. Retrieved May 1, 2010.
  9. ↑ "NY Rangers' Michael Del Zotto signs with Rapperswil-Jona Lakers". New York Daily News. October 31, 2012. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  10. ↑ "Michael Del Zotto re-signs with NY Rangers to two-year deal". New York Daily News. January 13, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Michael Del Zotto traded to Predators, Kevin Klein to Rangers". CBS Sports. January 22, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Predators set to part with Del Zotto". The Tennessean. June 29, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Flyers, Del Zotto agree to one-year contract". Philadelphia Flyers. August 5, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  14. ↑ Hayakawa, Michael (July 6, 2015). "Stouffville's Del Zotto files for arbitration with Philadelphia Flyers". Stouffville Sun-Tribune. Retrieved July 14, 2023 – via Yorkregion.com.
  15. ↑ "Flyers, Del Zotto agree on 2-year, $7.75M contract". The Morning Call. July 16, 2015. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Michael Del Zotto signed to a two-year contract". Vancouver Canucks. July 1, 2017. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  17. ↑ "Ducks acquire Del Zotto from Vancouver in exchange for Scheen, pick". Anaheim Ducks. January 16, 2019. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  18. ↑ "Ducks, Blues boxscore". ESPN. January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
  19. ↑ "Ducks fall to Flames 2-1". ESPN. February 22, 2019. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
  20. ↑ "Blues acquire Del Zotto from Anaheim". St. Louis Blues. February 25, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  21. ↑ "Veteran Del Zotto returns to Ducks on 1-year deal". ESPN. July 16, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Ducks Sign Del Zotto, De Leo, Kloos and Wideman to One-Year Contracts". Anaheim Ducks. July 16, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2020 – via NHL.com.
  23. ↑ "Ducks sign defenseman Michael Del Zotto to 1-year deal". OC Register. July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  24. 1 2 "Blue Jackets sign Michael Del Zotto to pro-tryout contract". Sportsnet. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  25. ↑ "CBJ sign Michael Del Zotto to one-year contract". Columbus Blue Jackets. January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  26. 1 2 "Sens agree to terms with Del Zotto". Ottawa Senators. July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021 – via NHL.com.
  27. 1 2 Mendes, Ian (February 11, 2022). "Senators' Michael Del Zotto on AHL demotion, the right trade scenario, plus advice from John Tortorella: Q&A". The Athletic. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Brady Tkachuk's hat trick leads Senators past Lightning 4-0". AP News. December 11, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  29. ↑ Garrioch, Bruce (March 23, 2022). "Garrioch: Michael Del Zotto is back with the Senators and hoping to help". Ottawa Sun. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Senators place Del Zotto on waivers for purpose of buyout". Sportsnet. July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Florida Panthers agree to terms with Michael Del Zotto". Florida Panthers. July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  32. ↑ "Florida Panthers Acquire Forward Givani Smith from Detroit Red Wings". Florida Panthers. December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  33. ↑ "Ducks Acquire Del Zotto in Three-Team Trade with Detroit and Florida". Anaheim Ducks. December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022 – via NHL.com.
  34. ↑ "Del Zotto retires from professional hockey after 14 seasons". TSN. September 6, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Flyers' Michael Del Zotto reunited with best friend". Fox Sports. March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Porn star calls out Rangers' Del Zotto on Twitter". NY Daily News. November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Porn star to NHLer Del Zotto: I'm not your wing man". Toronto Star. November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
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