Michael Caruso(24) spent six seasons in Florida Panthers‘ prospect system after being chosen 4th round of the 2006 draft (#103 overall).
He was thought of as a player that could compete for a spot on the blue line in his development but spent the first four years skating for minor league affiliate Rochester Americans, then San Antonio Rampage before finally deemed to be ready and made his debut on the opening night roster to start the 2013 lockout shortened campaign.
The 6’2″ 195 lbs. defenseman quickly got his first taste of the NHL suspended when he broke his wrist early in his second appearance.
Upon coming off ir he was reassigned to the the AHL but the injury bug continued to follow him and despite signing a his third one-year deal in the offseason to continue with the organization, he was limited to 35 games with the farm club in 2013/2014.
Heading into unrestricted free agency the damage of being sidelined for extended periods hurt his chances for another opportunity and he was left unsigned.
He found his way into the training camp of Springfield Falcons but was released after only a week.
Unsure of where he was going next to play his 7th pro season, after the first month passed he decided to sign with Reading Royals, his first stint in the ECHL.
He would assume the role of assistant captain and reached the 20 point mark for the first time since his final pair of years in the OHL with Guelph Storm.
The soon-to-be 27-year old knew that hockey life may take him overseas if he wanted to play at a higher level and for 2015/2016 he’s signed on to join Dornbirner Bulldogs of Austria’s Este Bank Liga.