After spending most of the 2021-22 season in the minor leagues, Rocco Grimaldi has agreed to a professional tryout with the Anaheim Ducks to try and show he can still compete in the NHL, according to CapFriendly.
The 29-year-old forward has suited up 203 times at the highest level, and was a lineup regular with the Nashville Predators as recently as 2019-20. That season in 66 games, the undersized forward scored ten goals and 31 points, despite playing fewer than 13 minutes a game. Last year in 44 games with the Milwaukee Admirals, he was a force of nature, scoring 26 goals and 52 points.
There’s a fine line between NHL regular and AHL superstar, and Grimaldi has found himself on the wrong side of it too many times in the past. His diminutive stature – he stands just 5’6″ – is likely the cause of that, despite relatively strong results whenever he has played. In Anaheim, where they are continuing the transition to a young, exciting lineup, perhaps there will be some extra ice time for a veteran like Grimaldi. He’ll have a chance to show off his skills at camp this week, and likely play in some preseason action.
Hope Rocco gets a contract with the Ducks. Good kid!