In a bit of a surprise, Team Canada has been eliminated from the Spengler Cup. That includes Philadelphia Flyers prospect Massimo Rizzo.
Coached by former Vancouver Canucks bench boss Bruce Boudreau, Team Canada finished in second in Group Cattini with three points in two games. Fellow group member HC Davos had six points in two games.
Ahead of the Spengler Cup Final, the Flyers’ Rizzo and Team Canada had a meeting with HC Dynamo Pardubice, and it didn’t exactly go to plan. Despite leading 3-1 late in the third period, Team Canada allowed three goals in 3:17 – with under five minutes remaining – to completely collapse and drop out of the competition, losing 4-3. Rizzo was not credited with a point in the loss, but did have assists against HC Davos and Frolunda HC in the two games prior.
Assists are more of the Flyers prospect’s game anyway; Rizzo has 24 in 18 games with the University of Denver this season. For his collegiate career, the 22-year-old has 77 assists, compared to his 36 goals.
If Rizzo does sign with the Flyers before August 15, 2025, he’ll be a welcomed addition to a Philadelphia prospect pool in need of some pieces at center. It’s worth noting that the Carolina Hurricanes – who do not have an AHL team currently – traded Rizzo to the Flyers for peanuts. That is something that is likely to have played a big factor in the move. Perhaps it won’t be long before Rizzo is supplying former Denver teammate, Bobby Brink, with assists at the NHL level for the Flyers.
Following the conclusion of the Spengler Cup, Rizzo will return to Denver to continue his 2023-24 campaign. He’s up to seven goals, 24 assists, and 31 points in 18 games this season.
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