7th year left wing Jerry D’Amigo(19) had some reports suggesting he would sign his first minor league deal to stick with last contract team Buffalo Sabres‘ affiliate Rochester Americans, the team he’s mostly skated for in the last year and a half.
He played 9 additional NHL games after a mid-season trade from Columbus Blue Jackets in 2014/2015, but failed to connect with any points.
The not exactly huge but tough playing forward has endured a couple of tough AHL seasons seeing his diminishing returns on his point totals.
It’s little surprise to see the 25-year old switch it up, accepting a one-year deal with Ilves of Finland’s Liiga.
Although he may be taking his game overseas at this point, he should be able to see some nice returns for his game and will likely start affecting the score sheet again.
Jerry D’Amigo(29) Rochester Americans
After scoring 15 goals in the 2011/2012 AHL regular season, Toronto Marlies‘ 2nd year left winger Jerry D’Amigo(29) is another player netting goals in pairs in consecutive Calder Cup Playoff games. He is also credited with the game-winners on both team victories.
The 21-year old Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 6th round pick in the 2009 draft (#158 overall) was fifth on the Marlies in scoring this season with a +13 plus/minus.
At 5’11” 213 lbs. he mostly plays a bit of an unassuming style of checking game but effectively gets the job done when he’s out there.
No doubt, if his team keeps winning and he continues to put up markers, he should get a long look for a spot on an NHL roster that has struggled to claim a place in the postseason since 2004.
Original story: 4/22-12
His 26 assists were tied for third during the regular season of his sophomore campaign and then his 8 goals in the playoffs were a team second.
In his third year he struck for a new record high goals of 17 but his overall points came down slightly as he may have been eying a role on another level.
He received that call-up after a couple of months in the minors heading into 2013/2014, where he would increase his goal production to another new level scoring 20 in far less AHL games and then exploded for a point-per-game (6-8) in 14 postseason contests.
In 22 games with the big club he scored his first NHL goal and added a pair of assists.
On the first day of 2014 free agency he would be traded to Columbus Blue Jackets and signed to a one-year two-way contract a month later.
He was a late cut from training camp but when he went to affiliate Springfield Falcons he would stay there until he was eventually dished again in a minor deal that sent him to Buffalo Sabres.
Starting with their farm team Rochester Americans he scored 13 goals and 9 assists in 31 games earning his late season recall.
He played 9 games getting no points but the now 24-year old has been given another opportunity for his 6th pro season.
No doubt he’ll be drilling in the minors for another chance to prove he can skate at the next level.
