Position: C/W
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 174 lbs
Birthplace: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Acquired: Draft, 6th round, 175th overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft
2010-2011 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers, New York Islanders
2010-2011 Stats (Bridgeport): 51 GP - 19 G - 11 A - 30 P - 45 PIM
2010-2011 Stats (Islanders): 8 GP - 0 G - 1 A - 2 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Top 6 Forward
Last year: Dibo had a nice year after a rather disappointing first year in Bridgeport. 19 goals in 51 games is not something you wouldn't bat an eye at, and was impressive for the still young 2008 draftee out of the Sarnia Sting (OHL). He helped make Steven Stamkos as good as he was with the Sting, so paired with the proper teammates, he prospered. Dibo's skill with the puck was definitely improving and his talent has definitely been blooming, and last year proved that. In his time on the Island on a 4th line role, Dibo showed some flashes of his talent, although his ability to be a best definitely came out as well. For such a small player, he certainly has the ability to agitate the other team.
Expectations: This year is going to be a big one for Dibo, as he enters into the final year of his ELC. While as long as he keeps up the pace he's on he should be qualified, this is the year where he should be able to prove that he's more than AHL fodder, and put up a decent, 50+ point season. With his skill and abilities, reaching this level shouldn't be completely unreasonable, especially after receiving an idea of what NHL play is for a few games last season. With a much improved team and with Dibo being renowned for being a better player when provided with chemistry, it should be interesting to see where things end up.
Projections: 60 GP - 25 G - 27 A - 52 P
Thoughts:
AT: Dibo was an older player for the '08 draft, but what we've seen in terms of skill shows he was certainly worthy of a pick, and getting him in the 6th round could end up being a skill if his production is proportionate to his draft location. Dibo will certainly get more opportunities with the big club in the future and should further be able to identify the areas of his game that are lacking, most notably his defensive ability and willingness to "get back" after a turnover. Dibo will be a staple in the heavily upgraded BPT offense and will most certainly contribute. A big happy birthday to the kid as well, who turned 23 today.
CH: No question DiBenedetto has proven that he was a solid pick as a sixth-round selection. He is a tenacious forward who has pretty decent skill, as he played on a line with Steven Stamkos and Islander teammate Matt Martin in juniors and put up great numbers. That has not translated in his first two years at Bridgeport, but he is poised to really take charge in the final year of his ELC. DiBenedetto showed his versatility by playing an agitating fourth-line role in the NHL last season, showing that he is a viable call-up option if the Isles suffer a slew of injuries. The Sound Tigers need DiBo to contribute as he is a key cog to the success of the team. DiBo needs to prove that he should be qualified after the year, so his progress this year is certainly worth watching.
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