Monday, February 16, 2009

Esposito is Done

Angelo Esposito's major junior career appears to be over. He suffered an ACL injury last week.

What had been looking like a promising season for Thrashers prospect Angelo Esposito ended disappointingly last week when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Esposito, 19, had 24 goals and 18 assists through 35 games with Montreal of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He also had three goals and an assist for Canada’s gold medal team in the World Junior Championships. Esposito is expected to be back in time for Thrashers camp before the 2009-10 season, orthopedic surgeon Jacques Toueg said in a statement released by Esposito’s junior team, The Canadian Press reported. Esposito missed games earlier in the season when he broke his hand in a fight.

Youl never want to see a player end his season on that note. He leaves the major junior ranks with a World Junior Championship gold medal and a Memorial Cup title. For winning the two prestigious titles in junior hockey, you can say he underperformed.

Or atleast I think so. The QMJHL just got done with the Sidney Crosby era and Esposito was suppose to take the reigns as the league's top player.

He certainly got off to a great start as a 16 year old where he had 98 points including 39 goals. He was riding the coat tails of the CHL Player of the Year in Alexander Radulov. His point production has dropped since Radulov left.

It appears he would of had trouble pass the 69 points he totaled last season. He did miss games because of the WJC's. Missing a handful of games shouldn't stop an offensive talent like Esposito struggle to hit potentially hit 70 point plateau. He had 24 goals and 18 assists. He would of needed to get 28 points in the teams final 14 games to reach it.

Good luck with your pro career Esposito.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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