Massimo Rizzo signs entry-level contract with the Flyers

After winning his second National Title with Denver, Massimo Rizzo is turning to the professional game. The Flyers have signed him to a two-year, entry-level contract. Due to his age, they cannot sign him to the standard three-year deal.

Rizzo was acquired by the Flyers in a trade for David Kase last summer. He was originally thought to be a prospect coming in the reported Tony DeAngelo deal with Carolina before that fell through. Either way, Philadelphia has shown great interest in him.

Rizzo registered 44 points (10G & 34A) in 30 games with Denver this season. The junior forward posted a career-high in assists and was two points away from matching the high he said in his sophomore year. Rizzo did miss over two months of game action due to injury. Luckily, the Pioneers fared extremely well in his absence. He rejoined them during the Frozen Four, and was on the top line against Boston College in the title game. He did not factor in on the scoring, and was credited with one shot and one block. 

In three years at Denver, Rizzo collected 126 points (39G, 87A) in 107 games. He finished his collegiate career with a 1.18 points-per-game average. He was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team in his first season, earning a First All-Star Team last season, and a Second All-Star Team nod this year. This was the second straight season he was named to the Second All-American Team in the NCAA West.

There hasn’t been official word on if he will join the Phantoms in their final few games before the playoffs. But it would not be a surprise to see him do so. It’s also a likely play for him to start next season as he gets acclimated to the professional game. There is a chance he can be an effective bottom-six player, but he will need to round his game out more in order to do so. Rizzo’s trajectory since being drafted in the seventh round in 2019 has been a solid one. It’s up to him to show what he can do at the next level.