F Tommaso De Luca - HC Ambrì-Piotta, NL (2023 undrafted)

[Gianpaolo]

I believe he is already regretting the decision to play for Italy. I watched the game against Slovenia and the whole Italian team looked really terrible.

 

[Hinterland]

I believe he is already regretting the decision to play for Italy. I watched the game against Slovenia and the whole Italian team looked really terrible.

Well, he knew what he signed up for I guess.

If he's regretting it it's probably because of the injury he picked up vs Poland and that's gonna cost him the Spengler Cup. Ambri announced that he'll be out 6-8 weeks which isn't gonna help his draft chances. Tough setback. He was just finding his groove in Ambri.

 

[kaiser matias]

Well, he knew what he signed up for I guess.

If he's regretting it it's probably because of the injury he picked up vs Poland and that's gonna cost him the Spengler Cup. Ambri announced that he'll be out 6-8 weeks which isn't gonna help his draft chances. Tough setback. He was just finding his groove in Ambri.

Was that him who was hit into the boards late in the game and got stretcherd off?

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Any updates on his return?

 

[Hinterland]

Any updates on his return?

Returned three days ago. Has played two games vs the Lakers. Started as 13th forward with just 6mins of icetime, then played 13mins while being listed on the topline (that is essentially the 3rd line).

 

[Gianpaolo]

Tonight he played in the second line against Bern and put his first career hat trick.

 

[Hinterland]

Tonight he played in the second line against Bern and put his first career hat trick.

Good to see him doing well. Cereda is known for listing his lines randomly though. DeLuca is playing with Spacek and Dauphin so this is very much the topline and not the 2nd line.

 

[MS]

I'll probably say this a few more times, but I still can't believe he was passed over in the 2023 draft.

Natural C with a strong two way game and was one of the highest ES scorers amongst draft eligible players in the WHL last year.

 

[Hinterland]

I'll probably say this a few more times, but I still can't believe he was passed over in the 2023 draft.

Natural C with a strong two way game and was one of the highest ES scorers amongst draft eligible players in the WHL last year.

I think that @pgfan66 got it right early. I thought that DeLuca taking the opportunity to turn pro and play at the highest level in Europe was a fairly logical and innocent move. Having said that, he, at some point this, apparently wanted to return to the WHL before deciding not to do so. He also wanted to play for Switzerland just to then decide not to do so and play for Italy instead. Also, even when he was scratched or didn't get a lot of ice time with Ambri, he never played for the Bellinzona Rockets which would have been a logical move to get playing time. I'm purely speculating here but I think it's possible he flat out refused to do that.

In today's world, NHL teams no longer just draft the most gifted guys, they hold lots of meetings with players to find out about their character, their personality as well. I'm not gonna claim that DeLuca would be a bad person or difficult to be around. I don't know him and I'm not in a position to judge but there's certainly something shady about him and some of the decisions he made. Whatever it is behind that could have been a red flag for NHL teams as well. Doesn't mean he's not gonna play in the NHL. Having said that, his season has been very up and down. Some very good stretches, mixed with healthy scratches or games games with barely any ice time. The injury set him back as well. Don't think he's gonna get drafted this year either but we'll see.

 

[MS]

I think that @pgfan66 got it right early. I thought that DeLuca taking the opportunity to turn pro and play at the highest level in Europe was a fairly logical and innocent move. Having said that, he, at some point this, apparently wanted to return to the WHL before deciding not to do so. He also wanted to play for Switzerland just to then decide not to do so and play for Italy instead. Also, even when he was scratched or didn't get a lot of ice time with Ambri, he never played for the Bellinzona Rockets which would have been a logical move to get playing time. I'm purely speculating here but I think it's possible he flat out refused to do that.

In today's world, NHL teams no longer just draft the most gifted guys, they hold lots of meetings with players to find out about their character, their personality as well. I'm not gonna claim that DeLuca would be a bad person or difficult to be around. I don't know him and I'm not in a position to judge but there's certainly something shady about him and some of the decisions he made. Whatever it is behind that could have been a red flag for NHL teams as well. Doesn't mean he's not gonna play in the NHL. Having said that, his season has been very up and down. Some very good stretches, mixed with healthy scratches or games games with barely any ice time. The injury set him back as well. Don't think he's gonna get drafted this year either but we'll see.

I get this with high picks but when you're dealing with mid-late rounders ... you have to draft guys based on skillsets.

De Luca to me should have been a 3rd rounder (ish) in last year's draft and it's incredible to me - especially given his position - that nobody took a flyer on him in the 6th or 7th round.

And now he's at 0.5 points/game in a good men's league as a teenager in his draft+1. If you'd taken him in the 2nd round, you'd be pretty happy right now.

As a Canucks fan, as an example, we took two Cs in the 4th round of the 2023 draft who are just blatantly worse prospects than De Luca.

 

[Hinterland]

I get this with high picks but when you're dealing with mid-late rounders ... you have to draft guys based on skillsets.

De Luca to me should have been a 3rd rounder (ish) in last year's draft and it's incredible to me - especially given his position - that nobody took a flyer on him in the 6th or 7th round.

And now he's at 0.5 points/game in a good men's league as a teenager in his draft+1. If you'd taken him in the 2nd round, you'd be pretty happy right now.

As a Canucks fan, as an example, we took two Cs in the 4th round of the 2023 draft who are just blatantly worse prospects than De Luca.

We'll see. Still has a chancs to get drafted as an overager. Ambri has six regular season games left and Intti Pestoni may not play again ahead of the playoffs so De Luca has a chance to stick on the topline. If he does he's likely to score more points as well. Good playoffs could then get him drafted. I don't think NHL teams are less sceptical about him this year though after some of his decisions this season. He has to be too good to pass on him again.

 

[MS]

We'll see. Still has a chancs to get drafted as an overager. Ambri has six regular season games left and Intti Pestoni may not play again ahead of the playoffs so De Luca has a chance to stick on the topline. If he does he's likely to score more points as well. Good playoffs could then get him drafted. I don't think NHL teams are less sceptical about him this year though after some of his decisions this season. He has to be too good to pass on him again.

He SHOULD absolutely get drafted.

You can probably count the number of teenagers in top Euro leagues scoring at the rate he is on two hands. And he's a C with decent size and a strong two-way game.

 

[pgfan66]

I think that @pgfan66 got it right early. I thought that DeLuca taking the opportunity to turn pro and play at the highest level in Europe was a fairly logical and innocent move. Having said that, he, at some point this, apparently wanted to return to the WHL before deciding not to do so. He also wanted to play for Switzerland just to then decide not to do so and play for Italy instead. Also, even when he was scratched or didn't get a lot of ice time with Ambri, he never played for the Bellinzona Rockets which would have been a logical move to get playing time. I'm purely speculating here but I think it's possible he flat out refused to do that.

In today's world, NHL teams no longer just draft the most gifted guys, they hold lots of meetings with players to find out about their character, their personality as well. I'm not gonna claim that DeLuca would be a bad person or difficult to be around. I don't know him and I'm not in a position to judge but there's certainly something shady about him and some of the decisions he made. Whatever it is behind that could have been a red flag for NHL teams as well. Doesn't mean he's not gonna play in the NHL. Having said that, his season has been very up and down. Some very good stretches, mixed with healthy scratches or games games with barely any ice time. The injury set him back as well. Don't think he's gonna get drafted this year either but we'll see.

I don't know any details but I don't think the bold part is accurate.

 

[Hinterland]

I don't know any details but I don't think the bold part is accurate.

Well, somebody told me exactly that
While I don't have any insights myself but De Luca wasn't even listed as sick, injured or absent on some Ambri lineup cards despite not playing either. At the same time, his "dad" came here to announce exciting news. I don't know what the plan was but it definitely looked like he wanted to leave Ambri and the WHL would have made sense as an option I think.

 

[pgfan66]

Well, somebody told me exactly that
While I don't have any insights myself but De Luca wasn't even listed as sick, injured or absent on some Ambri lineup cards despite not playing either. At the same time, his "dad" came here to announce exciting news. I don't know what the plan was but it definitely looked like he wanted to leave Ambri and the WHL would have made sense as an option I think.

Sure. But I don’t think “he changes his mind” is entirely accurate.

What we know is that he always planned to play for Switzerland and that’s why he returned after his year in the WHL. But things didn’t work out – whoever’s fault that might’ve been. https://www.blick.ch/sport/eishocke...rgerungs-puff-wm-zu-verpassen-id19126867.html

So I guess disappointment led to changing his mind about playing for Switzerland and it wasn’t merely indecisiveness.

I’m also guessing that this prompted a “might as well go back to Spokane” reaction. This, however, wasn’t an easy decision or process either. He needs to reapply for a US visa, the Chiefs already have two imports, and of course there’s the fact that he was getting more ice time again.

Like I said, I don’t know any details as to why things went wrong. But I don’t think he was merely indecisive.

 

[Hinterland]

Sure. But I don’t think “he changes his mind” is entirely accurate.

What we know is that he always planned to play for Switzerland and that’s why he returned after his year in the WHL. But things didn’t work out – whoever’s fault that might’ve been. https://www.blick.ch/sport/eishocke...rgerungs-puff-wm-zu-verpassen-id19126867.html

So I guess disappointment led to changing his mind about playing for Switzerland and it wasn’t merely indecisiveness.

I’m also guessing that this prompted a “might as well go back to Spokane” reaction. This, however, wasn’t an easy decision or process either. He needs to reapply for a US visa, the Chiefs already have two imports, and of course there’s the fact that he was getting more ice time again.

Like I said, I don’t know any details as to why things went wrong. But I don’t think he was merely indecisive.

I think we're talking semantics. I totally understand that he made his decisions for good reasons and out of (understandable) frustration but at the end of the day he still changed his mind.

Now assuming you're right (and by now I absolutely think you are) and he got overlooked not because teams doubted his talent but his decisions (to leave the WHL and maybe more, we don't know) then this season just isn't a good look for De Luca because it's basically just more of the same, more of why he didn't get drafted.

We can talk semantics all day long but if you're a GM who liked the player but maybe not the decisions or personality...are you gonna draft him now? That is unlikely to happen.

I don't want to bash the poor kid. I think from what I heard he was just unfortunate, maybe also partly misunderstood or unable to explain his (from where I stand mostly reasonable) decisions. I just don't think it's a good look. Which is a pitty because his season was actually very promising...well...at least in parts.

 

[Hinterland]

Btw, De Luca could see quite a bit of ice time the last few games. Ambri's top6 forwards are dropping like flies. We all know Formenton is gone trying to save his ass from prison. As I mentioned, Pestoni recently got hurt and may not play again ahead of playoffs. Today, Ambri informed that Zwerger is day to day after a road accident.

 

[TopC0rner]

I think we're talking semantics. I totally understand that he made his decisions for good reasons and out of (understandable) frustration but at the end of the day he still changed his mind.

Now assuming you're right (and by now I absolutely think you are) and he got overlooked not because teams doubted his talent but his decisions (to leave the WHL and maybe more, we don't know) then this season just isn't a good look for De Luca because it's basically just more of the same, more of why he didn't get drafted.

We can talk semantics all day long but if you're a GM who liked the player but maybe not the decisions or personality...are you gonna draft him now? That is unlikely to happen.

I don't want to bash the poor kid. I think from what I heard he was just unfortunate, maybe also partly misunderstood or unable to explain his (from where I stand mostly reasonable) decisions. I just don't think it's a good look. Which is a pitty because his season was actually very promising...well...at least in parts.

Again though, it's kind of a stupid stance for GMs past the 4th round. Drafting him from Europe means you own his rights for a long time, with no pressure to sign him and bring him over except if you think it will help your team.

Considering his talent, just take a chance on him.

 

[pgfan66]

Again though, it's kind of a stupid stance for GMs past the 4th round. Drafting him from Europe means you own his rights for a long time, with no pressure to sign him and bring him over except if you think it will help your team.

Considering his talent, just take a chance on him.

I think that was the actual problem, though. They don’t care about holding his rights for a long time. They want to have actual control over his development and be sure he’ll come to North America if they want him to. And that isn’t the case when he’s playing in Switzerland. And it’s worse with Swiss players than it is with other nations purely because you can make a ton of money playing pro in Switzerland and there’s no real reason to play junior and then AHL as a “Swiss” player.

A few things have changed compared to a year ago, though:
1. He’s decided to play for Italy, so that part of the equation is gone – he has no reason to stay in Switzerland outside of wanting to play pro
2. This season is showing he’s ready to jump to the AHL next season – so if he wants to go back to North America, he won’t have to go back to junior

I don’t think NHL scouts liked him nearly as much as we did last year, so they didn’t care about him once he decided to return home. But he’s definitely taken another step and is looking like a legitimate prospect this season. So I like his chances this year.

 

[Speyer]

I think that was the actual problem, though. They don’t care about holding his rights for a long time. They want to have actual control over his development and be sure he’ll come to North America if they want him to. And that isn’t the case when he’s playing in Switzerland. And it’s worse with Swiss players than it is with other nations purely because you can make a ton of money playing pro in Switzerland and there’s no real reason to play junior and then AHL as a “Swiss” player.

I'd say most young Swiss players are willing to go the AHL route if there is a reasonable chance to make the NHL long term. They won't stay in the league indefinitely if it becomes clear that its not happening though.

A few things have changed compared to a year ago, though:
1. He’s decided to play for Italy, so that part of the equation is gone – he has no reason to stay in Switzerland outside of wanting to play pro

I dont think this decision has changed anything at all. He still has a Swiss players license which makes him as attractive on the Swiss players market as any actual Swiss player. Then he has his friends and family who still live in the country as well. Its also not like any european hockey player plans his pro career around the senior national team. And the national team coach doesn't care where you play either as long as the competition is good enough.

 

[TopC0rner]

I think that was the actual problem, though. They don’t care about holding his rights for a long time. They want to have actual control over his development and be sure he’ll come to North America if they want him to. And that isn’t the case when he’s playing in Switzerland. And it’s worse with Swiss players than it is with other nations purely because you can make a ton of money playing pro in Switzerland and there’s no real reason to play junior and then AHL as a “Swiss” player.

A few things have changed compared to a year ago, though:
1. He’s decided to play for Italy, so that part of the equation is gone – he has no reason to stay in Switzerland outside of wanting to play pro
2. This season is showing he’s ready to jump to the AHL next season – so if he wants to go back to North America, he won’t have to go back to junior

I don’t think NHL scouts liked him nearly as much as we did last year, so they didn’t care about him once he decided to return home. But he’s definitely taken another step and is looking like a legitimate prospect this season. So I like his chances this year.

I understand why. I just think it's a stupid way to go about. A vast majority of 4th+ rounders (90%+) will never play meaningful games in the NHL. That's despite NHL teams choosing the "development path". Those who do, rarely play games before they're 22+ either. Considering this, there's an advantage to having the rights for a player longer than 2 years for those guys. Also, the NL is a fine league for player development. Imo, it's better that a player comes to the AHL when he's ready to be impactful there rather than too soon, which happens a lot with CHL players.

 

[Hinterland]

I'd say most young Swiss players are willing to go the AHL route if there is a reasonable chance to make the NHL long term. They won't stay in the league indefinitely if it becomes clear that its not happening though.



I dont think this decision has changed anything at all. He still has a Swiss players license which makes him as attractive on the Swiss players market as any actual Swiss player. Then he has his friends and family who still live in the country as well. Its also not like any european hockey player plans his pro career around the senior national team. And the national team coach doesn't care where you play either as long as the competition is good enough.

I agree his decision to play for Italy hasn't changed anything. The most important thing is, as you mentioned, the Swiss license. Without this one he wouldn't have been able to get a spot in Ambri. I think another reason for returning to Ambri was his 07 born younger brother who is still playing in the Ambri system as well. Of course playing in Switzerland is more convenient than playing AHL as well because of the schedule. No roadtrips, less games. I don't know if that would stop him from playing AHL though in case he gets drafted. I doubt it.

 

[Hinterland]

I think that was the actual problem, though. They don’t care about holding his rights for a long time. They want to have actual control over his development and be sure he’ll come to North America if they want him to. And that isn’t the case when he’s playing in Switzerland. And it’s worse with Swiss players than it is with other nations purely because you can make a ton of money playing pro in Switzerland and there’s no real reason to play junior and then AHL as a “Swiss” player.

A few things have changed compared to a year ago, though:
1. He’s decided to play for Italy, so that part of the equation is gone – he has no reason to stay in Switzerland outside of wanting to play pro
2. This season is showing he’s ready to jump to the AHL next season – so if he wants to go back to North America, he won’t have to go back to junior

I don’t think NHL scouts liked him nearly as much as we did last year, so they didn’t care about him once he decided to return home. But he’s definitely taken another step and is looking like a legitimate prospect this season. So I like his chances this year.

I can guarantee you that De Luca doesn't currently make a lot of money in Ambri. He could probably earn more playing AHL. You can definitely make a lot of money playing NL but surely not with your first contract. Also, De Luca is playing for Ambri which isn't really competitive financially. For at least half of NL teams, money doesn't matter either because they're just making money like crazy or because they have stinky rich owner-/sponsorship. Ambri doesn't have anything like it. It's a miracle this team even still exists because Ambri is basically just a district of the village Quinto which has a population of 1000.

 

[pgfan66]

I'd say most young Swiss players are willing to go the AHL route if there is a reasonable chance to make the NHL long term. They won't stay in the league indefinitely if it becomes clear that its not happening though.



I dont think this decision has changed anything at all. He still has a Swiss players license which makes him as attractive on the Swiss players market as any actual Swiss player. Then he has his friends and family who still live in the country as well. Its also not like any european hockey player plans his pro career around the senior national team. And the national team coach doesn't care where you play either as long as the competition is good enough.

Sure, that part remains. But nothing is forcing him to stay anymore because he doesn’t need to hit X years to get his Swiss passport anymore.

I can guarantee you that De Luca doesn't currently make a lot of money in Ambri. He could probably earn more playing AHL. You can definitely make a lot of money playing NL but surely not with your first contract. Also, De Luca is playing for Ambri which isn't really competitive financially. For at least half of NL teams, money doesn't matter either because they're just making money like crazy or because they have stinky rich owner-/sponsorship. Ambri doesn't have anything like it. It's a miracle this team even still exists because Ambri is basically just a district of the village Quinto which has a population of 1000.

I’m just telling you how NHL teams think and what their reasons were for not picking him.

 

[Fyodorov]

He had another goal and assist today.