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Named an alternate captain in his second season with the Chicago Steel, Robert Mastrosimone had a breakout year. Mastrosimone put up 31 goals and 29 assists for 60 points in 54 games. He was even better in USHL playoffs, with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 11 games. Mastrosimone helped the Chicago Steel reach the Clark Cup Final, where they ultimately fell to Sioux Falls. His efforts earned him a spot on the USHL Third All-Star Team. In 2017-18 he put up 16 goals and 45 points in 60 games and earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
Mastrosimone played for Team USA at last summer’s Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. He put up three goals and five points in five games. He also played at the World Junior A Challenge with two goals and four points in six games. Mastrosimone got in four games with the US NTDP Under-18 squad, picking up one assist. He also played at the USA Hockey Top Prospects Game last summer. He put up two goals and was named team MVP.
Mastrosimone is committed to attend Boston University next season. Should he change his mind and go the CHL route, his rights are owned by the Mississauga Steelheads.
Robert Mastrosimone Scouting Report
Left Wing/Centre — shoots Left
Born January 24th, 2001 — East Islip, New York
Height 5’10” — Weight 170 lbs [178 cm/77 kg]
Skating
Mastrosimone is a good but not a great skater. His first step is explosive and his acceleration very good. However, his top-end speed is just slightly above average. His edgework and agility are decent but don’t truly stand out either. He’s been tough to contain in the USHL but will need to keep improving his skating as he goes up to the next level in the NCAA. He also could stand to improve his core strength. This would give him better balance and allow him to be stronger on the puck in the corners and in front of the net.
Offensive Game
A pure sniper, Mastrosimone has an extremely heavy wrist shot and excellent release. His shot is already close to NHL ready. He also has a great one-timer. Mastrosimone is smart enough to find the soft spots in the opponent’s defence and set himself up to take a pass from a teammate and take that shot. Mastrosimone is also good at using his hands to change the angle on his shots, creating issues for goaltenders. He absolutely loves to shoot and will let it fly on the net from anywhere. The only question here is his accuracy as he can have a tendency to put a lot of shot attempts wide.
Mastrosimone has very good stickhandling ability and uses this to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He also uses it down low to protect the puck in the cycle game. Again, improved muscle mass would help him even more in this area. Mastrosimone can play the role of playmaker. He has the skill to thread the needle in tight spaces and make a tape-to-tape pass to a teammate. He also has the vision to see when there is an opportunity and the patience to make it happen.
Defensive Game
Mastrosimone can be a good defensive player but needs to be more consistent. At his best, he uses his stick to cut down passing lanes and create turnovers which are quickly transitioned to the offence. He is also able to play bigger than his size and work a physical game on the boards and down low. There are other games where he seems disinterested in his own end and always looking for a quick breakout play and to get back on the offence. Reducing this inconsistency is something that may happen as he matures.
Projection and Comparison
Robert Mastrosimone has played both centre and wing during his time with the Chicago Steel. He likely projects as a winger at the next level with his excellent shot as well as the fact that his lack of size will be less of a liability there. Mastrosimone has some high-end skills but needs time to work on his game. The less intense NCAA schedule will give him the time to bulk up. He also needs to improve his consistency. There are games where he looks like a first-round talent. However, there are others where he disappears for long stretches. In terms of style, Mastrosimone’s game is similar to Jonathan Marchessault, but this is not a comparison based on skill or ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Robert Mastrosimone that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect in our NHL Draft series.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
