21-year-old Red Wings prospect Robert Mastrosimone has a lot on the line this upcoming season. He’s transferred from Boston University to Arizona State University for his senior year, and the undersized center (5’10,” 170 pounds) discussed his decision to head to the aspiring Sun Devils at the Red Wings’ summer development camp. MLive’s Ansar Khan focused on Mastrosimone in a notebook article this afternoon:
“I need a fresh start, just to get out in front of some new eyes, some new teammates, new coaches, new area, and getting my game to the next level,” Mastrosimone said.
The independent Sun Devils began competing in NCAA Division I in 2015-16. They are coming off a 17-17-1 season.
“We’re going to have a really good team,” Mastrosimone said. “The group’s really tight-knit. When I spoke to coach (Greg) Powers and the staff, everything they preached is exactly what I want. It’s culture, it’s coming to the rink every day excited. And, of course, it’s Arizona. You can’t beat the weather. Everything I needed was spot on there. It was an easy decision.”
Mastrosimone included the Red Wings in the decision-making process.
“They pretty much said, ‘It’s your decision, it’s your life. But we’re going guide you and advise you to what we think is the best as well,’ ” Mastrosimone said. “They loved Arizona State. They loved every opportunity that was there — the staff, the new rink, the location. They were all on board with that.
“They’ve been nothing but great the past three years since I was drafted. They’ve checked in on me constantly, made sure I was doing all right. They’ve been to games. I’ve heard feedback from them, most of the staff. They’re on top of their prospects. That’s been huge just hearing what they had to say and taking it in, because obviously they’re at the top level and they know what they’re doing.”
Continued; as it’s his senior season, Mastrosimone has a lot to gain and very little to lose in trying to earn a contract by playing for a new team, but his contract hopes are tenuous at present. Here’s hoping for the best!
