07/08 Player Profile - #8 Carlo Colaiacovo
# 8
Colaiacovo, Carlo
6' 1" 200 lbs Toronto, Ontario
1/27/1983
2006/07
GM G A PTS PIM PPG SHG GWG SH SH% +/-
48 8 9 17 22 1 60 13.3 5
Revisiting a section I wrote Sunday, December 17th, 2006 – after Carlos' return from injury, best describes where his skill set is and will be going. Coloiacovo is ready to take on a top 4 Defenseman’s role, the NHL’s slot for Prime Time defenseman. That means heavy minuets, Penalty Kill and on a team with Kaberle and McCabe, a touch of the PowerPlay.
(Sunday, December 17, 2006)
“The addition of Carlo Colaiacovo is one of great magnitude, one that is being downplayed by this organization as a result of a past possible career ending injury. This same injury which has given Colaiacovo the tools to become the exceptional player he has shown in his first three games since his return.The player that stepped on the ice this year is far different then the one we have seen before, the difference is simply confidence and maturity. I believe the confidence came when he seen how lesser players to himself were able to step into his place, into the NHL, and play at competent and successful levels. Ian White is an example, as well as what Jay Harrison was able to do last season. These are two defensemen that were clearly rated lower then him on the depth chart in the minor leagues. His maturity is there and visible every time he touches the puck. Whether it is a simple poke check to the corner, or a poised clearance of the defensive zone, Coloiacovo seems confident and trustworthy and is doing the little things right to be a defensive force in the back. These things were glaringly obvious because I always felt that these were traits that the young defender was missing in his game. His hitting and toughness were always growing with his age; as his offensive talents of shooting and passing were always present throughout his career. Putting all these things together can only mean he is very close to becoming a complete player. Putting him next to a defensive stud that Kubina will round out to be is another positive. Baring in mind that all this three games into the season at limited minuets is easier said then done. The only thing left for Carlo is to continue this precedent with extended minuets and remain consistent throughout an entire season, if he can do that, it gives this team another superhero at D.”
From this point on, throughout the entire season, Coloiacovo continued this trend and far surpassed it. Although he never got his minuets on the PK and PP, his 5-5 ice time increased as each game ended. His play and skill set as mentioned above continued to flourish.
Coloiacovo wowed us in clutch games and clutch moments, two come to mind. Down 2-0 vs, New Jersey after Kaberle was hit late by ‘meathead’, Coloiacovo stepped up scoring a huge goal. In the biggest Leaf game of the year, Coloiacovo scored a monster goal against Montreal when again the Leafs looked beat. This guy has so much room to grow, but he is taking all the right steps.
His Defense is what I am most excited about as a Leafer. He hits, digs, and battles with em all. His ability to move the puck in tight situations is as good as any. I cant wait to see how more ice time and responsibility improves his game to an even higher level.
As for injury, every player in the league has to be concerned of it, some have just been more lucky in the past.
Colaiacovo, Carlo
6' 1" 200 lbs Toronto, Ontario
1/27/1983
2006/07
GM G A PTS PIM PPG SHG GWG SH SH% +/-
48 8 9 17 22 1 60 13.3 5
Revisiting a section I wrote Sunday, December 17th, 2006 – after Carlos' return from injury, best describes where his skill set is and will be going. Coloiacovo is ready to take on a top 4 Defenseman’s role, the NHL’s slot for Prime Time defenseman. That means heavy minuets, Penalty Kill and on a team with Kaberle and McCabe, a touch of the PowerPlay.
(Sunday, December 17, 2006)
“The addition of Carlo Colaiacovo is one of great magnitude, one that is being downplayed by this organization as a result of a past possible career ending injury. This same injury which has given Colaiacovo the tools to become the exceptional player he has shown in his first three games since his return.The player that stepped on the ice this year is far different then the one we have seen before, the difference is simply confidence and maturity. I believe the confidence came when he seen how lesser players to himself were able to step into his place, into the NHL, and play at competent and successful levels. Ian White is an example, as well as what Jay Harrison was able to do last season. These are two defensemen that were clearly rated lower then him on the depth chart in the minor leagues. His maturity is there and visible every time he touches the puck. Whether it is a simple poke check to the corner, or a poised clearance of the defensive zone, Coloiacovo seems confident and trustworthy and is doing the little things right to be a defensive force in the back. These things were glaringly obvious because I always felt that these were traits that the young defender was missing in his game. His hitting and toughness were always growing with his age; as his offensive talents of shooting and passing were always present throughout his career. Putting all these things together can only mean he is very close to becoming a complete player. Putting him next to a defensive stud that Kubina will round out to be is another positive. Baring in mind that all this three games into the season at limited minuets is easier said then done. The only thing left for Carlo is to continue this precedent with extended minuets and remain consistent throughout an entire season, if he can do that, it gives this team another superhero at D.”
From this point on, throughout the entire season, Coloiacovo continued this trend and far surpassed it. Although he never got his minuets on the PK and PP, his 5-5 ice time increased as each game ended. His play and skill set as mentioned above continued to flourish.
Coloiacovo wowed us in clutch games and clutch moments, two come to mind. Down 2-0 vs, New Jersey after Kaberle was hit late by ‘meathead’, Coloiacovo stepped up scoring a huge goal. In the biggest Leaf game of the year, Coloiacovo scored a monster goal against Montreal when again the Leafs looked beat. This guy has so much room to grow, but he is taking all the right steps.
His Defense is what I am most excited about as a Leafer. He hits, digs, and battles with em all. His ability to move the puck in tight situations is as good as any. I cant wait to see how more ice time and responsibility improves his game to an even higher level.
As for injury, every player in the league has to be concerned of it, some have just been more lucky in the past.
posted by LEAFER at
8:39 PM
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