The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired college prospect Massimo Rizzo and a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for forward David Kaše.
Rizzo, 22, just completed his second year with the University of Denver, scoring 17 goals and 46 points in 38 games. Rizzo was named to the NCHC’s first all-star team and the NCAA’s west second all-American team after helping Denver win the NCHC’s regular season title.
Rizzo won the NCAA national title as a rookie in 2021-22, a season that saw him score 12 goals and 36 points in 39 games. He has a total of 29 goals and 82 points in 77 games, an incredible output after going 216th overall in 2019.
Prior to his college career, Rizzo was a point-per-game player with Penticton and Coquitlam in the BCHL. Rizzo had four points in 10 games over two World Junior A Challenge tournaments, both with Canada West.
Rizzo could elect to turn pro, or go back and try and win another title with Denver. The Flyers are in a rebuild, and Rizzo could certainly play a role. Otherwise, extra time in college won’t hurt.
Kaše, 26, was drafted 128th overall in 2015 by the Flyers. He spent the last two years with HC Sparta Praha, but has a deal to join HC Litvinov for 2023-24. Kaše has seven games of NHL experience with the Flyers, tallying one goal. It’s unlikely he’ll factor into the Hurricanes’ plans, but the Flyers needed to move a contract.
