Mastrosimone May Have Some NHL Interest After Aug. 15

Detroit Red Wings 2019 second round pick Robert Mastrosimone comes off their reserve list on Aug. 15 and a few NHL teams may be interested in signing him.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to giving Mastrosimone a shot.

Mastro Magic. Robert Mastrosimone gets another HUGE goal, and the Sun Devils win it in OT.

Fitting ending to a wild game. pic.twitter.com/RgBr6fNJIW

— Sean Brennan (@Seanytb91) January 29, 2023

The Red Wings were intrigued by Mastrosimone’s combination of energy and skill when they drafted him 54th overall four years ago. But he didn’t live up to expectations in his first three seasons at Boston University. The speedy left wing posted 50 points in three seasons with the Terriers.

He transferred to Arizona State before last season. The change of venue helped his game. The New York native enjoyed his best college season with 11 goals and 31 assists for ASU in 2022-23.

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The bottom line is Mastrosimone was never able to make enough impact to be considered a must-have Detroit prospect. There was never an undercurrent about  the Red Wings signing him. Detroit currently has 42 players under contract, according to CapFriendly.com. Each team is allowed 50 contracts, although no team carries that many. The St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks and Arizona Coyotes currently have 48.

The Red Wings also drafted defensemen Antti Tuormisto and Albert Johansson in the 2019 second round and both were signed. Mastrosimone has below average size, but is spunky and flashy. An NHL team might be interested to see what he can do in the AHL in the upcoming season. If that doesn’t work out, his game might fit well in European leagues.