Leafs Sign Stefano Giliati to Entry-Level Deal

[Thrillhouse]

Cliff Fletcher, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Thursday that the hockey club has signed Lewiston Maineiacs (QMJHL) free agent left-winger Stefano Giliati to a three-year Entry Level contract.

“Stefano is an excellent skater and playmaker, but what we like most about him is his tremendous competitiveness,” said Fletcher. “He will join the Toronto Marlies this weekend for the balance of the season and the Calder Cup playoffs and we look forward to the start of his professional career in the Toronto Maple Leaf organization.”

The 20-year-old native of Montreal, Quebec, recently completed his fourth QMJHL season and third with the Lewiston Maineiacs. The 5’11, 205-pound winger ranked first in the league in game winning goals (11), fourth in shorthanded goals (5), 12th in points (87) and 10th in goals (40). Giliati was also named to the QMJHL First-Team All-Star Team and played in the 2007 Memorial Cup.

Giliati played 65 games for Lewiston this season, and established career highs in goals, assists (47), points and penalty minutes (103). Over the course of his four year QMJHL career, Giliati played 257 games and collected 94 goals and 113 assists for 207 points, along with 271 minutes in penalties.

[Ciccarelli]

Nice, I'm always looking out for "italian" hockey players and I followed Giliatis career.
Does somebody think he is good enough to play at the NHL level later or sooner?

[CatatonicMoose]

Originally Posted by Ciccarelli

Nice, I'm always looking out for "italian" hockey players and I followed Giliatis career.
Does somebody think he is good enough to play at the NHL level later or sooner?

Not anytime soon. At least 2/3 years in the AHL will be needed. He's still pretty raw.