2011 Draft Prospect Profile #41: Daniel Catenacci

Position: Center
Age: 18
Date of Birth: March 9, 1993
Place of Birth: Richmond Hill, Ontario
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 183
Shoots: Left

Daniel Catenacci was the #1 selection in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection, going to the Soo Greyhounds. His first year was a bit of a struggle and some unrealized hype, but he followed that up this past season by doubling his scoring numbers and finishes as Central Scouting's 37th-ranked North Americana skater heading into the draft. Catenacci isn't a big kid, but what he lacks in size he makes up for on the ice with speed and agility. He's strong and weathers contact well despite his size. He's quick to get to top speed, shifty on the ice, and difficult to man up one-on-one. At this point, he projects as a bit of a 'tweener between a top-6 and an energy/physical third or fourth liner. He can create for himself and others, can handle himself defensively, and can handle contact. Whether he can develop into a top-six scorer, however, remains to be seen.

2010/2011 Regular Season Stats:

Scouting Report (The Scouting Report):

"Catenacci’s fall in our rankings is more a symptom of other players moving ahead of him rather than faults of his own. After a bit of a disappointing first year in the OHL, Catenacci took a more offensive role with the Greyhounds this season and showed more of an ability to create opportunities when he’s on the ice. Catenacci’s issue for us comes down to defining what type of a role he can have at the next level. He’s a good defensive player and tenacious center at this level, but how much will that translate to the NHL given his size? We’re not sure he has enough offense to be a Top 6 guy, which makes him a bit of a tweener in our eyes."

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

In a word, speed. Catenacci might instantly become the fastest most agile skater in the Jackets' system if they pick him, and given what I think is a dearth of speed, you can't argue with that. That said, it remains to be seen if Catenacci can "put it together" and become consistent enough to make an impact at the NHL level as a top-six guy. Columbus needs top-shelf talent; they have enough 'tweeners and energy guys right now. Catenacci has the potential, however, to develop into a faster and more offensive Matt Calvert, with an absolute ceiling in the Martin St. Louis area if everything breaks right for him. But, it's going to take some growth and the right situation to allow him to blossom. He doesn't project as a complete "hit or miss" kind of prospect, though, which would make him a safe second-round pick depending on who's on the board.

Seriously, Watch this Kid Skate: